trompe l'oeil

noun

(ˌ)trȯmp-ˈlȯi  (ˌ)trȯmp-ˈlə-ē  trōⁿp-ˈlœi 

often attributive

1

: a style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail

also : the use of similar technique in interior decorating

2

: a trompe l'oeil painting or effect

3

: something that misleads or deceives the senses : illusion

Examples of trompe l'oeil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was Amy Fine Collins in a smart cardigan and a white tee with a trompe l'oeil necktie. —Nick Remsen, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

The ultimate trompe l'oeil, sweatpant jeans are printed to look like denim, but they're made from soft materials like cotton and fleece. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

But the breakout star of this collection has to be the $420 pink, long-sleeve midi dress guaranteed to turn heads as the trompe l'oeil print creates the impression that the wearer is totally nude. —Emily Kirkpatrick, Peoplemag, 18 July 2023

Other desirable details—including Carrara marble, Murano chandeliers, and trompe l'oeil artwork—complete the five-star experience. —Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 23 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

French trompe-l'œil, literally, deceives the eye

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trompe l'oeil

• bibliophile
• epicondyle
• geotextile
• nucleophile
• aisle
• bile
• chyle
• file
• guile
• heil
• isle
• kyle