breloque: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+ / Specialized)Formal, Literary, Antiquated / Historical
Quick answer
What does “breloque” mean?
A small, often decorative trinket or charm, typically attached to a bracelet or chain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, often decorative trinket or charm, typically attached to a bracelet or chain.
Historically, a seal or ornament attached to a watch chain; by extension, any small object of sentimental value or personal adornment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. More likely encountered in British texts describing historical fashion or antique jewelry. In American English, 'charm' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
UK: Slightly more associated with antique collecting or historical romance novels. US: May sound affectively French or pretentious.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “breloque” in a Sentence
He wore a fob watch with an attached breloque.The breloque dangling from her bracelet caught the light.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breloque” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The auction featured a Victorian gold fob with an intricate breloque.
- Among his effects was a simple breloque engraved with initials.
American English
- Her charm bracelet held a tiny breloque from Paris.
- The antique dealer specialized in watch fobs and breloques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical studies of material culture, fashion history, or jewelry design.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in antique jewelry cataloging and description.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breloque”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈbrɛlək/ or /ˈbrɛloʊk/.
- Using it as a synonym for any small item; it specifically implies decoration and attachment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and specialized. The common word is 'charm'.
Not typically in English. It refers to a decorative charm, often on a bracelet or historically on a watch chain. A keyring is a functional item.
It is a direct borrowing from French, where it originally meant 'a trinket to be hung'.
Use it as a countable noun, typically preceded by a descriptive adjective (e.g., 'an enamel breloque', 'several gold breloques').
A small, often decorative trinket or charm, typically attached to a bracelet or chain.
Breloque is usually formal, literary, antiquated / historical in register.
Breloque: in British English it is pronounced /brəˈlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /brəˈloʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'broke a locket' -> you're left with just a small piece, a 'breloque'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRELOQUE IS A FROZEN MEMORY (as it often serves as a token of remembrance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'breloque'?