Cachet (pronounced “ka-SHAY”) is a quality of being respected, admired, or considered special and prestigious. When something has cachet, it carries a sense of importance or exclusivity that makes people take notice.

A designer handbag might have cachet because of the famous company that makes it. A private school might have cachet in a community because of its long history of academic excellence. An invitation to an exclusive club or event gains cachet from being difficult to obtain. Even certain neighborhoods, restaurants, or brand names can have cachet.

Having cachet is different from simply being expensive or popular. Something with true cachet has earned respect and recognition over time. A scientist might gain cachet in their field through years of important discoveries. A classic novel has cachet because generations of readers have valued it. When someone says that a particular accomplishment or association “lends cachet,” they mean it adds genuine prestige.