bric-a-brac

noun

plural bric-a-brac
Synonyms of bric-a-bracnext
1
: a miscellaneous collection of small articles commonly of ornamental or sentimental value : curios
2
: something suggesting bric-a-brac especially in extraneous decorative quality

Examples of bric-a-brac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Isabella Stewart Gardner sometimes rented the Palazzo Barbaro, using it as a base to collect the art, furniture, and medieval bric-a-brac that eventually found its way to her eponymous Boston museum. Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2025 Kids run to and from the small arcade area, somehow managing to not knock over all the bric-a-brac that serves as decor, including a suit of armor near the restrooms. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2025 Cracker Barrel’s decor harkens back to a time of family restaurants with bric-a-brac covering the walls. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025 Uncle Herschel is back, but his bric-a-brac may stay in the landfill. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025 Countless bric-a-brac has been pulled from the shipwreck in the decades since, but on July 13, divers with Atlantic Wreck Salvage found something significant: a compass from the bridge. Mark Price july 29, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025 There are stickers covering every inch of space, and bric-a-brac, too, but nothing is picayune — nothing feels arbitrary or fake. Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025 Pop them off to reveal circular inlays perfect for holding a small basket or tray where daily bric-a-brac can accumulate, or keep them attached (our preference) for a truly striking architectural statement. Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 11 June 2025 Clean Up Your Mess To be fair, some booths at antiques stores are a hot mess, with junk piled high like bric-a-brac Jenga. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French bric-à-brac

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bric-a-brac was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bric-a-brac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bric-a-brac. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

bric-a-brac

noun
ˈbrik-ə-ˌbrak
: small ornamental articles

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