guipure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “guipure” mean?
A type of heavy lace in which the pattern is connected by bars or threads rather than by a mesh ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of heavy lace in which the pattern is connected by bars or threads rather than by a mesh ground.
A decorative textile characterized by a pattern with a visible, open background created by connecting motifs with threads or bars; can also refer loosely to other heavy, non-mesh laces or similar ornamental openwork designs in other materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in specialist contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes luxury, traditional craftsmanship, and often vintage or high-end design in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both UK and US English. More likely encountered in fashion magazines, historical costuming, or interior design contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “guipure” in a Sentence
[Noun] made of guipurea piece/bolt of guipuredecorated with guipurethe guipure on the [garment]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guipure” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The vintage dress featured exquisite guipure detailing on the cuffs.
- She preferred the substantial feel of a guipure table runner.
American English
- The designer used a bold guipure trim on the wedding gown's hem.
- They sourced an antique guipure panel for the restoration project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the textile trade, fashion manufacturing, and interior furnishings procurement to specify material type.
Academic
Appears in historical, art history, or material culture studies discussing textiles, fashion history, or decorative arts.
Everyday
Extremely uncommon. Might be used by enthusiasts in sewing, vintage clothing, or high-end interior decorating.
Technical
Precise term in lace classification, textile engineering, and conservation describing a lace structure without a net ground.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guipure”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guipure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guipure”
- Mispronouncing it as 'gwi-pure' or 'guy-pure'.
- Using it as a general term for any lace.
- Misspelling as 'guipere' or 'gipure'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a type of lace. While both are decorative textiles, lace like guipure is created by interweaving threads independently of a backing fabric, whereas embroidery is worked onto an existing fabric.
Yes, while traditionally hand-made, modern guipure is often produced by machine, making it more accessible. However, handmade antique guipure is highly valued by collectors.
It is used in formal and bridal wear (dresses, veils, trims), ecclesiastical vestments, high-quality lingerie, and luxury home furnishings like tablecloths, curtains, and placemats.
The key difference is structural: guipure has a 'void' background where motifs are linked by threads/bars. Other laces like tulle or net lace have an overall mesh ground holding the pattern.
A type of heavy lace in which the pattern is connected by bars or threads rather than by a mesh ground.
Guipure is usually specialized/technical in register.
Guipure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡiːpjʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡiˈpjʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GUI-tar' made of 'PURE' lace – a pure, heavy decorative lace you might picture on a vintage guitar strap.
Conceptual Metaphor
Lace as architecture: the connecting bars in guipure are like the steel beams holding up a decorative facade.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of guipure?