broderie anglaise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “broderie anglaise” mean?
A whitework needlework technique on white fabric, featuring patterns of small eyelets and satin stitch outlines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A whitework needlework technique on white fabric, featuring patterns of small eyelets and satin stitch outlines.
A specific style of openwork embroidery often associated with delicate, decorative trims on summer clothing, lingerie, and children's wear. Can also refer to fabric or garments featuring this type of embroidery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both varieties but is more common in fashion and textile contexts.
Connotations
Connotes delicacy, femininity, vintage or retro style, and summer fashion.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Primarily a specialist term in fashion, textiles, and sewing.
Grammar
How to Use “broderie anglaise” in a Sentence
[garment] made from broderie anglaise[garment] trimmed with broderie anglaisea panel/insert of broderie anglaiseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broderie anglaise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The designer chose to broderie-anglaise the cuffs and collar. (rare, verbed usage)
American English
- She plans to broderie anglaise the hem of the skirt. (rare, verbed usage)
adverb
British English
- The collar was decorated broderie-anglaise style. (rare)
American English
- The trim was done broderie anglaise fashion. (rare)
adjective
British English
- She wore a lovely broderie-anglaise blouse to the garden party.
American English
- The nursery featured broderie anglaise curtains for a soft look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail, textile manufacturing, and marketing descriptions of products.
Academic
Used in fashion history, textile studies, and cultural studies discussing craft traditions.
Everyday
Used by sewing enthusiasts or when describing a specific garment feature.
Technical
A precise term in dressmaking, pattern design, and textile classification.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broderie anglaise”
- Misspelling as 'broderie anglais' (missing final 'e').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a broderie anglaise' is uncommon; better: 'a piece of broderie anglaise').
- Confusing it with lace or crochet.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Broderie anglaise is a form of embroidery worked on a solid woven fabric, creating holes (eyelets). Lace is typically created by looping, twisting, or knitting thread without a base fabric.
Traditionally it is white-on-white, but modern interpretations often use coloured threads on white or coloured fabric.
In British English: /ˌbrɒdəri ɒŋˈɡleɪz/ (brod-uh-ree ong-GLAYZ). In American English: /ˌbroʊdəri ɑːŋˈɡleɪz/ (broh-duh-ree ahng-GLAYZ).
It is commonly found on summer dresses, blouses, children's clothing, lingerie, nightwear, christening gowns, and household linens like tablecloths or pillowcases.
A whitework needlework technique on white fabric, featuring patterns of small eyelets and satin stitch outlines.
Broderie anglaise is usually formal/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Broderie Anglaise sounds like 'broadery English' – think of broad, delicate English embroidery with little holes.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICACY IS FEMININITY (common association), VINTAGE IS NOSTALGIC (often linked to heirloom styles).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of broderie anglaise?