Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈe͡ɪpa͡ʊ] (IPA) 
Chapeau (ʃæˈpoʊ) is a French word that translates to "hat" in English. The word is spelled with a "ch" at the beginning, which is pronounced as the "sh" sound in English. The "a" in chapeau is pronounced as "æ" in IPA, which is similar to the "a" sound in the English word "cat." The final "eau" in chapeau is pronounced as "oʊ" in IPA, which is similar to the "oh" sound in the English word "phone."
Chapeau, pronounced "sha-po," is a noun of French origin that refers to a hat or head covering, typically worn as a fashionable accessory. It is used to describe various styles and shapes of hats, and is often associated with elegance, style, and formality.
In the context of fashion, a chapeau can be made of a wide range of materials such as straw, felt, silk, or velvet. It can come in various designs, including wide-brimmed, narrow-brimmed, or even brimless styles. Chapeaux can also be adorned with decorative elements such as ribbons, feathers, flowers, or jewels to further enhance their visual appeal.
The term is commonly used to describe women's hats, especially those worn for special occasions like weddings, horse races, or formal events. It can also encompass more generic daily wear hats, fashion-forward designs, or even historical and cultural headwear choices.
As a versatile and expressive fashion accessory, chapeau connotes elegance, sophistication, and a sense of personal style. It not only serves a practical purpose of protecting the head from sun or rain but also adds flair and completes an outfit, making it an essential part of fashion history and contemporary style.
A hat; a cap or head-dress.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "chapeau" is of French origin. Its etymology can be traced back to the Late Latin "cappa" meaning "hood" or "cloak". In Old French, "chape" referred to a cloak or hood, and later evolved to specifically mean a woman's hat. Eventually, "chape" was combined with the diminutive suffix "-eau" to form "chapeau", which now means "hat" in French.
