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

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

Back in the city, the studio of Jim Thompson was draped with the latest launch of the Tony Duquette collection earlier this year: On the most prominent wall is a maximalist trompe l'oeil cabinet of curiosities, featuring shelves bearing seashells, coral, and other motifs. —Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, 12 Sep. 2022

The trompe l'oeil is forgivable, though, since polycarbonate is one of the most durable materials out there for hardside suitcases. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2023

Is this what a trompe l'oeil is? —Alex Begg, Bon Appétit, 30 June 2021

Credit: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images The unassuming, trompe l'oeil leather looks were back at Bottega. —Marianna Cerini, CNN, 28 Feb. 2023

For the 2022 Met Gala, actor Kodi Smit-McPhee wore a red latex pair with a crisp button-down and stiff denim trousers (crafted in Bottega Veneta’s endlessly delightful trompe l'oeil leather). —André-Naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023

The actor-producer walked the carpet in the signature trompe l'oeil skeleton dress from the brand's ready-to-wear collection. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1