dandyism

noun

dan·​dy·​ism ˈdan-dē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce dandyism (audio)
1
: the style or conduct of a dandy
2
: a literary and artistic style of the latter part of the 19th century marked by artificiality and excessive refinement

Examples of dandyism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Black dandyism is about more than just aesthetics, Vogue reports. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Tailoring came with an air of effortless dandyism, with indigo overcoats and mustard pleated shorts before moving toward hiking chic, with windbreakers and climbing boots complete with bejeweled socks. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 Initially unveiled as a part of the house’s Fall/Winter 2025 Men’s Collection, the trainer enmeshes the studies of streetwear and dandyism which are the cores of the practices of Williams. Essence, 16 June 2025 So the idea of the dandyism for the LV camp was centered around tailoring. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 Explaining Black dandyism Met Gala parties, events: All the photos Met Gala taps dandy fashion: Stars who've embraced the style Diddy could have ruled Met Gala 2025. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 7 May 2025 Black dandyism is both a quiet revolution, a loud statement, and an unshakable legacy. Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025 Rooted in celebration of the Black dandy figure, the exhibit will focus on menswear, fine craftsmanship & tailoring, and the 12 principles that define Black dandyism. Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 6 May 2025 On the heels of the 2025 Met Gala, amplified by the success of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through October 26, the enduring legacy of Black dandyism was on display last night at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dandyism was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Dandyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dandyism. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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