rosette

noun

ro·​sette rō-ˈzet 

1

: an ornament usually made of material gathered or pleated so as to resemble a rose and worn as a badge of office, as evidence of having won a decoration (such as the Medal of Honor), or as trimming

2

: a disk of foliage or a floral design usually in relief used as a decorative motif

3

: a structure or color marking on an animal suggestive of a rosette

especially : one of the groups of spots on a leopard

4

: a cluster of leaves in crowded circles or spirals arising basally from a crown (as in the dandelion) or apically from an axis with greatly shortened internodes (as in many tropical palms)

5

: a food decoration or garnish in the shape of a rose

icing rosettes

carrot rosettes

Illustration of rosette

• rosette 2

Examples of rosette in a Sentence

a rosette of chocolate frosting

Rosettes are carved in the base of the statue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her dress underneath has peeks of ruching and a rosette at the chest. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 29 Jan. 2024

Jaguars can be identified using their unique spot patterns, also known as rosettes. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 29 Jan. 2024

The rosette of the Arroqueños agave can reach to 6 feet. —Tucker Harris, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2024

This gorgeous silky rosette version is a current standout. —Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

Hurrell’s picture is sumptuous, with Garbo bedecked in glittering rosettes of diamonds, her hair falling in perfect ringlets, a lush gray-black fur encircling her plunging neckline. —Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024

The design also featured distressed fringe detailing on the bottom of the skirt and rosette adornments. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024

Dust cooled rosettes with powdered sugar and store loosely in large containers, layering the rosettes between pieces of waxed or parchment paper. —Mary G. Pepitone, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024

Actress Naturi Naughton wore an earthy green velour strapless gown with a rosette detail, designed by Marchesa. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 17 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Old French rosete, rosette "small rose, object shaped like a rose," from rose rose entry 2 + -ete, -ette -ette

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rosette

noun

ro·​sette rō-ˈzet 

1

: a badge or ornament of ribbon gathered in the shape of a rose

2

: a design of leaves or flowers used as a decoration

3

: a circular cluster of leaves developed on a plant (as at the base of a dandelion)

Medical Definition

rosette

noun

ro·​sette rō-ˈzet 

: a rose-shaped cluster of cells