bijouterie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency)Formal, Literary, Specialized (fashion/retail)
Quick answer
What does “bijouterie” mean?
small, decorative pieces of jewellery, especially those considered showy or delicate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
small, decorative pieces of jewellery, especially those considered showy or delicate.
A shop selling such jewellery; the craft or business of making or selling decorative trinkets, ornaments, and small jewellery items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare in both varieties but is slightly more likely to be encountered in British contexts, often retaining its French pronunciation more faithfully. American usage might be more confined to high-end fashion or antique contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests sophistication, French elegance, or sometimes slight pretentiousness. It is not a common retail term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. More likely found in writing about fashion, antiques, or luxury goods.
Grammar
How to Use “bijouterie” in a Sentence
N of bijouterie (a piece of bijouterie)ADJ + bijouterie (exquisite bijouterie)V + bijouterie (to collect bijouterie)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bijouterie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (The word is not used as a verb.)
American English
- N/A (The word is not used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The related adjective is 'bijou').
American English
- N/A (The related adjective is 'bijou').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the description of retail niches, especially in fashion or antique dealerships.
Academic
Rare; might appear in art history, fashion studies, or material culture texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in jewellery-making and fashion design to specify non-precious decorative items.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bijouterie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bijouterie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bijouterie”
- Mispronouncing it as /baɪˈdʒuːtəri/ (like 'biology').
- Using it as a mass noun for all jewellery (e.g., 'She wore expensive bijouterie' – incorrect).
- Spelling it as 'bijoutery' or 'bijouterrie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency loanword from French. The more common terms are 'costume jewellery' or 'fashion jewellery'.
'Jewellery' is the broad, general term. 'Bijouterie' specifically refers to small, decorative, often showy items, typically not made of precious metals or stones, emphasising their ornamental nature.
The standard British pronunciation is /ˌbiːʒuːt(ə)ˈriː/, with the stress on the last syllable and a French-style 'zh' sound for the 'j'.
Yes, by extension, it can refer to a shop that sells such items, though this usage is even rarer than the word itself.
small, decorative pieces of jewellery, especially those considered showy or delicate.
Bijouterie is usually formal, literary, specialized (fashion/retail) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; the word itself is used literally.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BIJOU' (French for jewel) + 'TERIE' (like 'cafeterie' for a place) = a place for or collection of small jewels.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICACY IS INTRICACY (The delicate, intricate nature of the objects maps onto the concept of detailed craftsmanship).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bijouterie' MOST appropriately used?