applique: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “applique” mean?
A decorative design made of one material sewn or stuck onto another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative design made of one material sewn or stuck onto another.
The craft or technique of applying such decoration. Can refer to analogous techniques in other arts (e.g., metalwork, lacquerware).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling with accent (appliqué) is more consistently used in UK English. US English more frequently uses 'applique' without the accent.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes handcraft, decoration, and textile arts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specific contexts like sewing, quilting, and fashion design.
Grammar
How to Use “applique” in a Sentence
[NP] + appliqué + [on/onto NP][NP] + be + appliquéd + [with NP][NP] + use + appliqué + [as decoration]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “applique” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She plans to appliqué a floral motif onto the cushion cover.
- The vintage gown was beautifully appliquéd with silk roses.
American English
- He learned how to applique denim patches onto his jacket.
- The quilt was appliqued by a local artisan.
adverb
British English
- None standard. The word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- None standard. The word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She admired the appliqué detailing on the bodice.
- The exhibition featured an appliqué wall hanging.
American English
- The applique design was inspired by folk art.
- They sell applique patches for jeans.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, used in fashion/textile industry contexts (e.g., 'The appliqué detail increases the garment's value').
Academic
Used in art history, design, and textile studies.
Everyday
Used by hobbyists in sewing, quilting, and crafting communities.
Technical
Standard term in textile arts, fashion design, and some branches of decorative arts conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “applique”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “applique”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “applique”
- Misspelling as 'appliquée' for the noun (the extra 'e' is for feminine adjectives in French).
- Mispronouncing as /ˈæplɪk/ like 'application'.
- Using as a verb without the '-d' ending (e.g., 'She will applique it' should be 'She will appliqué it' or 'She will appliquéd it').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Appliqué' ends with a /keɪ/ sound (like 'kay'), whereas 'apply' ends with a /plaɪ/ sound (like 'ply').
Yes. As a verb, it means to attach a decorative design onto a larger surface (e.g., 'She appliquéd leaves onto the fabric'). The past tense/past participle is 'appliquéd'.
It is considered correct, especially in formal and craft-specific writing, but it is commonly omitted in everyday use, particularly in American English.
Appliqué involves attaching pre-made pieces of material onto a background. Embroidery involves creating a design by stitching thread directly onto the background fabric.
A decorative design made of one material sewn or stuck onto another.
Applique is usually formal / technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of APPLYing a decorative QUEen's emblem onto a dress = APPLIQUÉ.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECORATION IS AN ADDITIONAL LAYER.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'appliqué' LEAST likely to be used?