je ne sais quoi
noun
: something (such as an appealing quality) that cannot be adequately described or expressed
a young actress who has a certain je ne sais quoi
Examples of je ne sais quoi in a Sentence
Although the sculpture had flaws, it also had a certain je ne sais quoi that made it very appealing.
Recent Examples on the Web
At only $20, this adorable H&M puff-sleeve is just frothy enough to add a little je ne sais quoi, but has a French simplicity at its core.
—
Grace Smith, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024
Destinations The French-speaking speck of an island in the Lesser Antilles holds a certain je ne sais quoi that's being amplified by this season’s swish new villas and beach clubs.
—Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2024
This had a certain je ne sais quoi, but our panelists struggled to figure out if that was a good thing.
—Allison Robicelli, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Zach Braff and Vanessa Hudgens have a certain je ne sais quoi in their new movie.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 15 Feb. 2024
As for the je ne sais quoi of a 2012 Chipotle burrito bowl?
—Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 30 Nov. 2023
Borsari’s Savory Seasoning has all of that plus the addition of lavender, which gives it a je ne sais quoi that elevates it to the realm of special.
—New York Times, 1 Nov. 2023
There was something ineffable—not quite a je ne sais quoi, more like non so che cosa—about the offhand elegance of the place.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2023
In addition to a middle part with wispy bangs framing her forehead, the low, tight braids feel more je ne sais quoi than juvenile.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Oct. 2023
Grace Smith, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024
Destinations The French-speaking speck of an island in the Lesser Antilles holds a certain je ne sais quoi that's being amplified by this season’s swish new villas and beach clubs.
—Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2024
This had a certain je ne sais quoi, but our panelists struggled to figure out if that was a good thing.
—Allison Robicelli, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Zach Braff and Vanessa Hudgens have a certain je ne sais quoi in their new movie.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 15 Feb. 2024
As for the je ne sais quoi of a 2012 Chipotle burrito bowl?
—Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 30 Nov. 2023
Borsari’s Savory Seasoning has all of that plus the addition of lavender, which gives it a je ne sais quoi that elevates it to the realm of special.
—New York Times, 1 Nov. 2023
There was something ineffable—not quite a je ne sais quoi, more like non so che cosa—about the offhand elegance of the place.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2023
In addition to a middle part with wispy bangs framing her forehead, the low, tight braids feel more je ne sais quoi than juvenile.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'je ne sais quoi.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near je ne sais quoi
Cite this Entry
“Je ne sais quoi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/je%20ne%20sais%20quoi. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share