often attributive
1
: a style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail
also : the use of similar technique in interior decorating
2
: a trompe l'oeil painting or effect
3
: something that misleads or deceives the senses : illusion

Examples of trompe l'oeil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the breakout star of this collection has to be the $420 pink, long-sleeve midi dress guaranteed to turn heads as the trompe l'oeil print creates the impression that the wearer is totally nude. Emily Kirkpatrick, Peoplemag, 18 July 2023 Other desirable details—including Carrara marble, Murano chandeliers, and trompe l'oeil artwork—complete the five-star experience. Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 23 June 2023 Back in the city, the studio of Jim Thompson was draped with the latest launch of the Tony Duquette collection earlier this year: On the most prominent wall is a maximalist trompe l'oeil cabinet of curiosities, featuring shelves bearing seashells, coral, and other motifs. Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, 12 Sep. 2022 The trompe l'oeil is forgivable, though, since polycarbonate is one of the most durable materials out there for hardside suitcases. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2023 Is this what a trompe l'oeil is? Alex Begg, Bon Appétit, 30 June 2021 Credit: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images The unassuming, trompe l'oeil leather looks were back at Bottega. Marianna Cerini, CNN, 28 Feb. 2023 For the 2022 Met Gala, actor Kodi Smit-McPhee wore a red latex pair with a crisp button-down and stiff denim trousers (crafted in Bottega Veneta’s endlessly delightful trompe l'oeil leather). André-Naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023 The actor-producer walked the carpet in the signature trompe l'oeil skeleton dress from the brand's ready-to-wear collection. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trompe l'oeil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French trompe-l'œil, literally, deceives the eye

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trompe l'oeil was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near trompe l'oeil

Cite this Entry

“Trompe l'oeil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trompe%20l%27oeil. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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