vignette

noun

vi·gnette | \ vin-ˈyet

, vēn-\

Definition of vignette

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a picture (such as an engraving or photograph) that shades off gradually into the surrounding paper

b : the pictorial part of a postage stamp design as distinguished from the frame and lettering

2a : a short descriptive literary sketch

b : a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie)

3 : a running ornament (as of vine leaves, tendrils, and grapes) put on or just before a title page or at the beginning or end of a chapter also : a small decorative design or picture so placed

vignette

verb

vignetted; vignetting

Definition of vignette (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to finish (something, such as a photograph) like a vignette

2 : to describe briefly

Other Words from vignette Synonyms The Connection Between Vignette and Vines Example Sentences Learn More about vignette

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The Connection Between Vignette and Vines

Noun

Vignette comes from Middle French vignete, the diminutive form of the noun vigne, meaning "vine." In English, the word was first used in the mid-18th century for a design or illustration that ran along the blank border of a page, or one that marked the beginning or end of a chapter. Such designs got their name because they often looked like little vines. It wasn't until the late 19th century that usage of vignette had shifted to cover a brief literary sketch or narrative, as we commonly see it used today.

Examples of vignette in a Sentence

Noun

The play's program features a little vignette about each member of the cast. The film is a series of vignettes about living with cancer.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

There needs to be little vignettes, a highlight of a single item here, and a grouping there. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "The Museum of Modern Art's Upcoming 'Value of Good Design' Exhibit is Not One to Miss," 7 Feb. 2019 Or a special vignette of objects, or a plant draped just so. — Kaitlin Menza, House Beautiful, "The Element Your Room Is Missing? A Rattan Screen," 31 Jan. 2019 Gucci stole the show with the presentation of their Chime for Change short film, The Future is Fluid; filmmaker Jade Jackman tracked several trans and nonbinary figures around the world, assembling vignettes of diverse voices. — David Graver, Vogue, "Weekend One at Sundance: All the Celebrities Who Celebrated the Festival’s Daring Roster," 29 Jan. 2019 This little gem of YA science-fiction is told in six vignettes, starting just a few years from now and ultimately arriving in traveling to a very distant future. — Constance Grady, Vox, "The 16 best books I read in 2018," 21 Dec. 2018 In his powerful retelling of the Battle of Gettysburg, Michael Shaara shifts from side to side with vignettes of the combatants facing one another. — WSJ, "Five Best: Joyce Lee Malcolm," 28 June 2018 What is your favorite, single most memorable vignette in this book effort? — Jason Samenow, Washington Post, "Fascinating new book captures 4.5 billion years of climate and weather in 200 pages," 30 Apr. 2018 The 2015 advertisement features short vignettes highlighting different strong, hard-working women across the world. — Isabel Greenberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "This UN Women Ad Starring Meghan Markle Proves She's Always Been a Champion For Equality," 9 Aug. 2018 Each of the three Christmas spirits present their own vignettes, with Bates playing all four digital characters. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "Chained mixes virtual reality and live actors to tell a dark Christmas tale," 5 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vignette.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.