minaudière

noun

min·​au·​dière ˌmē-nōd-ˈyer How to pronounce minaudière (audio)
: a small decorative case for carrying small articles (such as cosmetics or jewelry)

Word History

Etymology

French, feminine of minaudier affected, coquettish, from minauder to mince

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minaudière was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minaudière.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minaudi%C3%A8re. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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