plural chamois also chamoix
sense 1
ˈsha-mē(z)
or
sham-ˈwä(z)
senses 2 & 3
ˈsha-mēz
1
: either of two small, agile, goatlike bovids (Rupicapra rupicapra and R. pyrenaica) of mountainous regions from southern Europe to the Caucasus that are often hunted for their meat and hide
2
or less commonly chammy
or shammy
: a soft pliant leather prepared from the skin of the chamois or from sheepskin
3
: a cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather
Examples of chamois in a Sentence
a bucket of water and a chamois
Recent Examples on the Web
The heels are lined with chamois leather and the toes with linen; the soles are pigskin.
—
Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
For supreme comfort while riding, choose cycling jerseys, bibs, and shorts from Mission Workshop—you’ll love the soft feel, extra pockets, and protective chamois.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Keep your eyes peeled—and binoculars handy—for goat-like chamois, bearded vultures, and beavers against the stunning backdrop of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and the steep Justistal Valley below.
—AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
The channels between the chamois panels further enhance the ventilation while preventing bunching.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chamois
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Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
For supreme comfort while riding, choose cycling jerseys, bibs, and shorts from Mission Workshop—you’ll love the soft feel, extra pockets, and protective chamois.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Keep your eyes peeled—and binoculars handy—for goat-like chamois, bearded vultures, and beavers against the stunning backdrop of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and the steep Justistal Valley below.
—AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
The channels between the chamois panels further enhance the ventilation while preventing bunching.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chamois
Cite this Entry
“Chamois.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chamois. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chamois
noun
cham·ois
ˈsham-ē
plural chamois also chamoix
ˈsham-ē(z)
1
: a small goatlike mountain antelope of Europe and the Caucasus
2
: a soft yellowish leather made from the skin of the chamois or from sheepskin
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