cloche

noun

ˈklōsh 

1

: a bell- or dome-shaped cover:

a

: a glass or plastic cover used to protect small outdoor plants from frost

also : a similar cover used indoors to display or protect ornamental objects

b

: a cover (as of metal or ceramic) placed over food during preparation or serving

2

: a woman's close-fitting hat usually with deep rounded crown and narrow brim

Did you know?

Does the meaning of cloche ring a bell?

The word cloche refers to very different things but the connection between them is apparent in the word's meaning: cloche is French for "bell," and both the gardening cloche and the hat cloche are typically shaped like the archetypal bell. The gourmands among you may be aware of another kind of cloche as well. Covered in our unabridged dictionary, Webster's Third New International, cloche also refers to a bell-shaped cover placed over food in cooking or serving. The French word cloche comes from Medieval Latin clocca, which is also the source of the words "cloak" and "clock."

Examples of cloche in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fashion-wise, women were dressed in cloche hats, tubular silhouettes with drop waists, and handkerchief hemlines boldly skimming shins—which were on show for the very first time. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024

Wicked may take great pains to recreate the musty Britain of the 1920s, but don’t be fooled by the cloche hats and frilly frocks. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2024

The homebody will geek out if given a unique match cloche and plushy slippers. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 15 Dec. 2023

This amber glass match cloche is a great present for the dinner host who would never dare to be seen lighting a candle with a gas station lighter or Aim 'N Flame. —Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2023

That’s why getting a little creative and gifting something like a match cloche is a great option, says Mirand. —Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024

Try mixing up your treasures under a clear glass cloche. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2024

The mesmerizing lobby is also home to Dôme—a one-of-a-kind display of delicate cakes and pastries encased in a 12-foot, high-class cloche setting the scene for Parisian afternoon teas. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2024

Finally, the chef carves a second plate of meat onto an oval pedestal and situates it over a glass cloche outfitted for smoke infusions. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, bell, from Medieval Latin clocca

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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