art deco

noun

art de·​co ˌärt-ˈde-ˌkō 

ˌär(t)-dā-ˈkō, 

ˈär(t)-ˈdā-(ˌ)

variants often Art Deco

: a popular design style of the 1920s and 1930s characterized especially by bold outlines, geometric and zigzag forms, and the use of new materials (such as plastic)

Examples of art deco in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Burgundy and chartreuse accents punctuate a beige and ochre palette, while tactile materials recall the city’s Villa Necchi Campiglio house museum, the ne plus ultra of Milanese art deco design. —Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026

She’s lived here all her life (twenty-nine years), presently in a sprawling art deco-ish apartment. —Lynn Hirschberg, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026

The landmark – described as a mix of art deco and moderne architecture styles – was opened in 1941 and has weathered some financial challenges but remains the physical and spiritual center of Orinda’s charming downtown. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026

Gold and teal wallpaper with touches of art deco décor line the entrance to the theater. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French Art Déco, from Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an exposition of modern decorative and industrial arts held in Paris, France, in 1925

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for art deco

• derecho
• echo
• gecko