appliqué

1 of 2

noun

ap·​pli·​qué ˌa-plə-ˈkā How to pronounce appliqué (audio)
: a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material

appliqué

2 of 2

verb

appliquéd; appliquéing

transitive verb

: to apply (something, such as a decoration or ornament) to a larger surface : overlay

Examples of appliqué in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The choreographer accessorized with layered necklaces, gold bangles and pumps featuring bow appliques. Hannah Malach, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024 The actress selected a black velvet Rodarte gown featuring a plunging neckline and floral appliques. Hannah Malach, WWD, 15 Sep. 2024 There were gowns that slithered along the body — in a sheer, gauzy black chiffon with gold appliques, in shiny leather, and sequined silver with slits and straps. Blue Carreon, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Sydney Sweeney Coordinated with her co-star Ana de Armas once again, Sweeney wore a black velvet Alexander McQueen gown consisting of a plunging, cutout filled in with mesh and floral applique. Marissa Muller, WWD, 8 Sep. 2024 Fur, appliques and layered patchwork decorated other jean styles. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2024 As expected, flowers figured prominently in the collection: cascading like vines on a white tulle dresses; as appliques fashioned from feathers on a dress with glittering trellis details; and as a whiff of a print on a couple of strapless numbers. Blue Carreon, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 Both pieces were embroidered with pastel floral appliques. Hannah Malach, WWD, 8 Sep. 2024 Ankle-skimming hems and trendy jean shorts (decorated with mouth and cigarettes appliques) were part of Caro Editions’ handcrafted collection. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2024
Verb
An eggplant placemat is appliqued with a border of coral and paired with Leotine's Chopstick monogram for an unforgettable table bathed in color. Sarah Bray, ELLE Decor, 21 Mar. 2014 Haehlen, who has Down syndrome, smiles wide and twirls her skirt, revealing how intricately it’s appliqued with sequined, floral explosions of color. Tony Bravo, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018 The antithesis of timid, Alessandro Michele at Gucci appliques hats, tops and jeans with motifs like bats, cats, bugs and wolves that make Ralph Lauren’s polo pony seem like a meek flea. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 27 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appliqué.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, past participle of appliquer "to put on, apply," going back to Old French apliquier "to put to use, utilize in a certain way," borrowed from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)" — more at apply

Note: French appliqué is apparently not recorded with the specific sense of the English word in the eighteenth or nineteenth century; see discussion s.v. in the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition.

Verb

derivative of appliqué entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appliqué was in 1763

Dictionary Entries Near appliqué

Cite this Entry

“Appliqué.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appliqu%C3%A9. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

appliqué

1 of 2 noun
ap·​pli·​qué ˌap-lə-ˈkā How to pronounce appliqué (audio)
: a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material

appliqué

2 of 2 verb
appliquéd; appliquéing
: to apply an appliqué to a larger surface

More from Merriam-Webster on appliqué

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