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noun Uncommon

Michelin

Michelin (noun) means Used, especially as "Michelin star," to refer to the prestigious restaurant rating awarded by the Michelin Guide. Example: “The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star last year.”

noun
1
Used, especially as "Michelin star," to refer to the prestigious restaurant rating awarded by the Michelin Guide.
"The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star last year."
"Chefs spend their whole careers chasing a Michelin star."

How to use Michelin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBest known today as the name behind the Michelin Guide's star ratings for top restaurants, though it started as a tyre company.

Common pairings
Michelin star Michelin-starred restaurant Michelin Guide

Word forms

Michelins plural

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The restaurant was awarded its first _____ star last year.

Etymology

From the surname of the Michelin family, the French tyre manufacturers who launched the Michelin Guide in 1900 to encourage road trips (and tyre sales); it later became the world's most famous restaurant rating system.

Origin: French · First attested 1900

Class of 1900 Michelin joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →

Rhymes for Michelin

See all rhymes for Michelin →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Michelin” mean?

The word “Michelin” means used, especially as "Michelin star," to refer to the prestigious restaurant rating awarded by the Michelin Guide. In plain terms, best known today as the name behind the Michelin Guide's star ratings for top restaurants, though it started as a tyre company.

How do you use “Michelin” in a sentence?

Here is “Michelin” used in a sentence: “The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star last year.”

What part of speech is “Michelin”?

“Michelin” is a noun.

Where does the word “Michelin” come from?

The word “Michelin” dates back to around 1900 and comes from French. From the surname of the Michelin family, the French tyre manufacturers who launched the Michelin Guide in 1900 to encourage road trips (and tyre sales); it later became the world's most famous restaurant rating system.

Is “Michelin” a common word?

“Michelin” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial