broche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (textiles), Fashion
Quick answer
What does “broche” mean?
A decorative pin or clasp, often ornamental, used to fasten clothing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative pin or clasp, often ornamental, used to fasten clothing.
A technique in textiles (broché) where a pattern is woven into fabric; also refers to a small, intricate, decorative fastener in jewellery and fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is the same. The textile term 'broché' is more common in UK fashion/textile contexts.
Connotations
In both, implies elegance, antiquity, or craftsmanship. More likely to describe an heirloom or vintage item in everyday speech.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in general conversation. Higher frequency in fashion, jewellery, historical, and textile domains.
Grammar
How to Use “broche” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wore + [a/an] + adjective + broche[Subject] + fastened/pinned + the broche + to/on + [garment]The broche + was + a family heirloom.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broche” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A as a verb. The verb form is 'broach'.
American English
- N/A as a verb. The verb form is 'broach'.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The fabric was a beautiful broché silk.
- She admired the broché weave of the vintage curtain.
American English
- The dress featured intricate broché detailing.
- It was a broché material, not printed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in luxury goods, antique, or fashion retail descriptions.
Academic
Used in fashion history, material culture studies, and textile engineering.
Everyday
Used when discussing jewellery, heirlooms, or vintage fashion accessories.
Technical
In textiles, refers to 'broché' weaving: a technique for creating figured fabrics with a continuous weft.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broche”
- Misspelling as 'broach' (which means to raise a subject or a tool). Incorrect pronunciation (e.g., /brʊtʃ/). Using it as a verb (e.g., 'She broached her jacket' is wrong; use 'pinned').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are variant spellings of the same word for the jewellery item. 'Brooch' is the more common English spelling. 'Broche' often reflects the French origin and is also used, particularly in fashion contexts.
No. The similar-sounding word 'broach' is a verb meaning to raise a subject for discussion or to pierce a cask. 'Broche' is solely a noun (or adjective in textiles).
Historically, no. Brooches (like fibulae) were unisex fasteners for cloaks. In modern usage, they are predominantly associated with women's accessories, but antique or clan-specific brooches (e.g., Scottish kilt pins) are worn by men.
It is pronounced identically to the jewellery term: /ˈbrəʊʃ/ (UK) or /broʊʃ/ (US). It comes from the French past participle 'broché', meaning 'stitched' or 'embroidered'.
A decorative pin or clasp, often ornamental, used to fasten clothing.
Broche is usually formal, technical (textiles), fashion in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; 'pinned on like a broche' could be a creative simile for precise placement.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BROOCH' is worn on a 'BLOUSE'. Both start with 'BLO/BR'. Or, a 'broche' is 'attached' to clothes, like a 'branch' (sounds similar) is attached to a tree.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FASHION ACCESSORY IS AN ANCHOR (it fastens and secures). AN HEIRLOOM IS A CONTAINER OF HISTORY (brooches often hold sentimental/family value).
Practice
Quiz
In a textile context, what does 'broché' specifically refer to?