cloisonne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Formal/Technical/Art-Historical
Quick answer
What does “cloisonne” mean?
A decorative technique in which thin wires are used to create compartments (cloisons) on a metal object, which are then filled with colored vitreous enamel paste.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative technique in which thin wires are used to create compartments (cloisons) on a metal object, which are then filled with colored vitreous enamel paste.
An object, typically a vase, box, or piece of jewelry, decorated using the cloisonne technique; by extension, describing anything characterized by intricate, colorful, and separated sections resembling this art.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical; both variants strongly associated with fine/antique/decorative arts, historical artifacts, and high craftsmanship.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily in specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cloisonne” in a Sentence
[Adj] cloisonnecloisonne [Noun]made of cloisonnedecorated with cloisonneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cloisonne” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artisan will cloisonne the bracelet after forming the cells.
- This technique is used to cloisonne precious items.
American English
- The artist plans to cloisonne the copper plate.
- Few workshops still cloisonne on such a large scale.
adverb
British English
- Not used adverbially.
American English
- Not used adverbially.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in auction catalogues, antique dealerships, or high-end giftware.
Academic
Common in art history, archaeology, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be understood only with context.
Technical
Standard term in metallurgy, jewellery-making, and conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cloisonne”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cloisonne”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloisonne”
- Misspelling: 'cloisone', 'cloisonné' (with acute accent is French original, often dropped in English).
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable heavily in American English.
- Using as a general synonym for 'colourful'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is borrowed from French, where 'cloison' means 'partition'. The acute accent on the final 'e' (cloisonné) is often dropped in English.
Both are enamel techniques. In cloisonne, wires are added to a surface to create cells. In champleve, cells are carved or etched into the metal base itself.
Yes, though rare. It means 'to decorate using the cloisonne technique' (e.g., 'to cloisonne a brooch').
No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term primarily encountered in contexts related to art, antiques, and craftsmanship.
A decorative technique in which thin wires are used to create compartments (cloisons) on a metal object, which are then filled with colored vitreous enamel paste.
Cloisonne is usually formal/technical/art-historical in register.
Cloisonne: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklwɑːzɒneɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɔɪzəˈneɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLOSED (clois-) compartment ON (on) a plate, filled with bright E (enamel).
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICATE BEAUTY IS COMPARTMENTALISED COLOUR
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of cloisonne work?