chill-out
/ˈtʃɪl.aʊt/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A chill-out is a relaxed time or place where people can rest and feel calm. It is often used for music, rooms, or areas meant for easy conversation.
- We need a chill-out after the meeting.
- The hotel has a chill-out area near the pool.
- They played chill-out music in the evening.
Adinary Nuance
Chill-out is closer to a relaxed space or atmosphere than to simple rest. It suggests comfort, softness, and low energy, not just stopping work. Compared with "break" or "rest," it feels more casual and lifestyle-focused. Compared with "relaxing," it is often used as a noun or adjective in talk about music, rooms, or events.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thư giãn
- Spanish
- relajación
- Chinese
- 放松
- Japanese
- くつろぎ
- Korean
- 휴식
Etymology
Chill-out comes from the phrasal verb "chill out," which became popular in informal English in the late 20th century. It combines "chill" and "out" to suggest relaxing completely.
Common phrases
chill-out musicchill-out zonechill-out areaa chill-out session
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is chill-out formal or informal?
- It is informal. People use it in casual speech, music, and lifestyle writing.
- What is the difference between chill-out and break?
- A break is any pause from work. Chill-out suggests a more relaxed, calm, and comfortable pause.
- Can I use chill-out in business writing?
- Usually no. In business writing, words like relaxation area or lounge sound more natural.
- Is chill-out used for music?
- Yes. It often describes soft, relaxing music made for calm listening.