papier-mâché

1 of 2

noun

pa·​pier-mâ·​ché ˌpā-pər-mə-ˈshā 

ˌpa-ˌpyā-mə-,

-(ˌ)ma-

: a light strong molding material of wastepaper pulped with glue and other additives

papier-mâché

2 of 2

adjective

1

: formed of papier-mâché

2

: unreal, artificial

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, literally, chewed paper

First Known Use

Noun

1753, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

papier-mâché

noun

pa·​pier-mâ·​ché

ˌpā-pər-mə-ˈshā,

ˌpap-ˌyā-mə-;

-(ˌ)ma-

: a light strong molding material made of paper pulp mixed with glue and other substances

papier-mâché adjective

Etymology

Noun

French, literally, "chewed paper"