bric-a-brac

noun

ˈbri-kə-ˌbrak 

plural bric-a-brac

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

Her fiction is cluttered with bric-a-brac, bits and bobs, stuffed into boxes and drawers and cupboards—remnants of someone’s past. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026

Nestled deep among the wads of shredded paper and other bric-a-brac, the occupants made not a squeak, concealed to anyone who looked through the carrier’s door. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Here, misfits are welcome, and bric-a-brac is part of the appeal; the wonderfully bizarre name and devil-may-care attitude have been confusing (and delighting) first-timers for more than 70 years. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

In the auditorium, the walls are decorated with zigzag patterns and starbursts, carvings and bric-a-brac, under enormous chandeliers. — David Allen, Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French bric-à-brac

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bric-a-brac

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee
• assignee

Kids Definition

bric-a-brac

noun

ˈbrik-ə-ˌbrak

: small ornamental articles