cachet

noun

ca·​chet ka-ˈshā How to pronounce cachet (audio)
1
a
: a seal used especially as a mark of official approval
b
: an indication of approval carrying great prestige
The president placed his cachet on the project.
2
a
: a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige
regarded the possession of real estate as a cachet of respectability
b
: prestige
being rich … doesn't have the cachet it used toTruman Capote
3
: a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste enclosing a medicine
4
a
: a design or inscription on an envelope to commemorate a postal or philatelic event
b
: an advertisement forming part of a postage meter impression
c
: a motto or slogan included in a postal cancellation (see cancellation sense 3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cache and cachet?

Although the two words come from the same root (the French cacher, meaning "to press, hide"), cache and cachet have different meanings. Cache primarily refers to a thing that is hidden or stored somewhere, or to the place where it is hidden. It has recently taken on another common meaning, "short-term computer memory where information is stored for easy retrieval." Cachet usually means "prestige" or "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige."

What is the difference between cachet and prestige?

Several of the senses of cachet are similar, or synonymous with prestige; among its definitions are "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige," "an indication of approval carrying great prestige," and "prestige." However, cachet does have additional meanings which share little of their meaning with prestige, including "a medicinal preparation for swallowing," and "a seal used especially as a mark of official approval."

How do you pronounce cachet?

Cache and cash are pronounced the same, but cachet is pronounced \cash-AY. Cachet and cache share the same origin, the French cacher "to press, hide"; cash, however, comes from a different root, the Latin word for "chest" (capsa).

Examples of cachet in a Sentence

a movie director with great artistic cachet His research in Antarctica gave him a certain cachet among other scientists.
Recent Examples on the Web This new Turkey will, of course, remain a member of NATO, which brings Ankara cachet as well as protection from Moscow (at some point, Turkey’s elites fear, the relationship between the two countries may once again become more hostile), and leverage with other NATO powers. Soner Cagaptay, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2024 Moments showcasing those relationships were imperative to making a biopic that didn’t completely rest on the laurels of Marley’s staggering cultural cachet. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024 The label is now polished, matured and carrying the cachet of Paris. Jacqui Palumbo and Alex Rees, CNN, 12 Feb. 2024 The higher percentage of cheaper wool, the lower the raw material costs will probably be, while the product still carries the cachet of cashmere. Annie Midori Atherton, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 Big sale days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday have been gradually losing their cachet as shoppers spread their spending over longer periods. Spencer Soper, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023 Given Boiler Room’s cultural cachet, are a lot of brands vying to work with you? Katie Bain, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2024 Still, the company, ranked as the world’s most valuable brand by consulting firm Brand Finance, hasn’t lost its cachet. Larry Light, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2024 Victoria Monet’s seven nominations cemented her current cultural cachet but weren’t enough to earn her a performing slot. Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cachet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "small seal with a coat of arms and initials engraved or in relief used to seal documents, a document so sealed, mark of approval, distinctive character," going back to Middle French, from cacher "to press" + -et -et entry 1 (here as a suffix of instrument) — more at cache entry 1

Note: See note at cache entry 1.

First Known Use

circa 1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cachet was circa 1639

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Dictionary Entries Near cachet

Cite this Entry

“Cachet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cachet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

cachet

noun
ca·​chet ka-ˈshā How to pronounce cachet (audio)
: a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste containing an unpleasant-tasting medicine

called also wafer, wafer capsule

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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