art deco: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Art Historical
Quick answer
What does “art deco” mean?
A distinctive visual arts and architectural style of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and lavish ornamentation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A distinctive visual arts and architectural style of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and lavish ornamentation.
The term is also used more broadly to describe any object, pattern, or design feature that evokes the aesthetic characteristics of this historical period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The name of the style is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both regions, it strongly connotes glamour, luxury, and the interwar period (1920s-1930s).
Frequency
Equally common in art, architecture, and design discourse in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “art deco” in a Sentence
Art Deco [NOUN]in the Art Deco stylewith Art Deco [FEATURES]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “art deco” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The designer aimed to art deco the new lobby, but the budget was prohibitive. (Non-standard, rare)
American English
- They decided to Art Deco the façade during the renovation. (Non-standard, rare)
adverb
British English
- The room was decorated very Art Deco, with zigzag patterns and chrome. (Informal, non-standard)
American English
- The hotel is styled Art Deco throughout. (Informal, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The Art-deco-inspired cinema on the high street is being refurbished. (Attributive use)
- We bought an authentic Art Deco sideboard from an auction.
American English
- The city is famous for its Art Deco skyscrapers.
- She collects Art Deco brooches from the 1920s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in real estate, auction houses, and interior design to describe and value properties or items (e.g., 'The building's Art Deco façade adds significant value.').
Academic
Central term in art history, architectural history, and design studies for categorizing and analyzing the period (e.g., 'The lecture contrasted European and American interpretations of Art Deco.').
Everyday
Used to describe the appearance of buildings, jewellery, or film sets (e.g., 'I love the Art Deco lamps in that hotel lobby.').
Technical
Precise term in conservation, restoration, and heritage studies to identify and preserve period-specific details.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “art deco”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “art deco”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “art deco”
- Incorrectly writing it as 'Art-Deco' or 'artdeco'. It is correctly written as 'Art Deco'.
- Using it as a regular adjective (e.g., 'That sofa is Art Deco' is borderline; 'That is an Art Deco sofa' is preferred).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific historical style, it is conventionally capitalised: Art Deco.
Art Nouveau (c. 1890-1910) features flowing, organic lines and natural forms like flowers. Art Deco (c. 1920s-1930s) is characterised by bold, geometric shapes, symmetry, and a machine-age aesthetic.
Yes, but typically only if they are deliberately designed to imitate or evoke the style of the original Art Deco period (e.g., 'a new building with Art Deco elements').
No. While architecture is a major part, the style encompassed all decorative arts: interior design, furniture, jewellery, fashion, graphic arts, and even industrial design like cars and radios.
A distinctive visual arts and architectural style of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and lavish ornamentation.
Art deco is usually formal / art historical in register.
Art deco: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːt ˈdek.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːrt ˈdek.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the **ART**istically **DECO**rative skyscrapers and shiny objects of the 1920s 'Great Gatsby' era.
Conceptual Metaphor
ART DECO IS A SYMPHONY OF GEOMETRY AND LUXURY.
Practice
Quiz
Art Deco is most closely associated with which historical period?