flacon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, specialized, literary
Quick answer
What does “flacon” mean?
A small decorative bottle with a stopper, especially one for holding perfume, toilet water, or other liquids.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small decorative bottle with a stopper, especially one for holding perfume, toilet water, or other liquids.
A vessel of this type, often used in a historical context for storing medicinal tinctures, smelling salts, or fine spirits. Can also refer to a similar container in modern luxury packaging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in both varieties but is more likely to be encountered in British English due to stronger antique and perfume markets.
Connotations
In both varieties, evokes French sophistication and high-end goods. In American English, may sound slightly more affected or niche.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK English. Known primarily by enthusiasts, collectors, and in luxury industries.
Grammar
How to Use “flacon” in a Sentence
The flacon of [liquid] (e.g., perfume, scent)A flacon made of [material] (e.g., crystal, glass)A flacon on the [surface] (e.g., dressing table, shelf)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing copy for luxury perfume, cosmetics, or spirits (e.g., 'Presented in a limited-edition Baccarat flacon').
Academic
Used in art history, material culture, or historical studies describing antique containers.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by someone describing an elegant antique bottle.
Technical
Used in perfumery, antique collecting, and luxury goods manufacturing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flacon”
- Using it as a general term for any bottle (e.g., 'a flacon of milk').
- Misspelling as 'flaskon' or 'flakkon'.
- Mispronouncing with a long 'a' (/fleɪkən/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it is a type of bottle, 'flacon' specifically denotes a small, often decorative or antique bottle with a stopper, typically for perfumes, toilet waters, or historically for medicines. It carries connotations of luxury and elegance.
A 'vial' is a small bottle, often of simple glass or plastic, used for holding medicines, chemicals, or scientific samples. It is functional and neutral. A 'flacon' is decorative, often made of fine materials (crystal, cut glass, silver), and associated with luxury liquids like perfume.
In British English: /ˈflækɒn/ (FLA-kon). In American English: /ˈflækɑːn/ (FLA-kahn). The first syllable rhymes with 'flat'. The stress is on the first syllable.
No, 'flacon' is exclusively a noun in modern English.
A small decorative bottle with a stopper, especially one for holding perfume, toilet water, or other liquids.
Flacon is usually formal, specialized, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FLACON sounds like 'flask' + 'con' (a small con-tainer). Imagine a fancy FLAsk you CONsider buying in a French perfume shop.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR LUXURY / CONTAINER FOR HISTORY
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'flacon' most appropriately used?