Word of the Day

: June 29, 2013

decoupage

noun day-koo-PAHZH

What It Means

1 : the art of decorating surfaces by applying cutouts (as of paper) and then coating with usually several layers of finish (as lacquer or varnish)

2 : work produced by decoupage

decoupage in Context

Her eye was drawn to a small table that had been decorated with decoupage.

"Prized among vintage scouters, antique luggage is a common thrift store find and family hand-me-down. Give them a fresh coat of paint, maybe experiment with decoupage and you have your very own stylish night table and room accent." - From an article in The Ideal Home and Garden, May 1, 2013

Did You Know?

Decoupage originated in France in the 17th century as a means of artistically decorating pieces of furniture with pictures. It took a few centuries, but by the mid-20th century "decoupage" became a household name in American interior decoration. The word is fashioned from Middle French "decouper," meaning "to cut out." "Decouper," in turn, pastes together the prefix "de-" ("from" or "away") and "couper" ("to cut). Other descendants of "couper" include "coppice" (a growth of small trees that are periodically cut), "coupé" (a horse-drawn carriage for two with a driver outside and whose name is thought to be from French "carrosse coupé," literally, "cut-off coach"), and the clear-cut "coupon."