macrame
C1Neutral to informal; technical within craft contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A craft technique of knotting cord or string in patterns to create decorative articles.
The art form or finished product created through the macrame technique; can also refer to the style or aesthetic associated with such knotted textiles.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun referring to the craft or a finished piece (e.g., 'She does macrame,' 'a macrame wall hanging'). Can be used attributively (e.g., 'macrame plant hanger').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). The craft experienced similar popularity waves in both regions.
Connotations
Often evokes 1970s bohemian or rustic decor. In contemporary usage, associated with modern handmade, artisanal, or sustainable home decor trends.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but common in specific contexts like crafts, DIY, and interior design.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] does/makes/creates macrame.[Object] is made of/is macrame.a [Noun] made with macrame (techniques).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tied up in knots (not specific to macrame, but conceptually related).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in niche e-commerce (handmade crafts, interior decor).
Academic
Rare, may appear in art history, design, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing hobbies, home decoration, or vintage styles.
Technical
Specific within textile arts, crafts, and DIY instructions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She learned to macrame in the seventies.
- I'm going to macrame a new holder for my fern.
American English
- She learned to macrame in the 70s.
- I'm going to macrame a new holder for my fern.
adjective
British English
- The macrame workshop was fully booked.
- It had a lovely macrame trim.
American English
- The macrame class was full.
- It had a nice macrame detail.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She made a macrame plant hanger.
- I like macrame.
- My aunt does macrame as a hobby and sells her creations online.
- The macrame wall hanging added a bohemian touch to the room.
- Having mastered the basic knots, she embarked on a complex macrame tapestry for her living room.
- The resurgence of macrame in interior design reflects a nostalgia for handmade artefacts.
- The artisan's macrame, characterised by intricate Josephine knots and unconventional materials, transcended mere craft and entered the realm of fine art.
- Critics argue that the commodification of macrame in fast-fashion homeware strips it of its original countercultural significance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAC who is FRIENDLY (sounds like 'macra-me') tying friendly knots to make a gift.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOTTING AS CONSTRUCTION/CREATION (tying together to form a new, functional whole).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct transliteration 'макраме' as a verb; in English it's primarily a noun. Do not say 'I macrame a hanger' but 'I make a macrame hanger.'
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'macrame', 'macramé', 'macrami'. Using as a regular verb: 'She macrames.' (Better: 'She does macrame.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary activity associated with 'macrame'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun (the craft or product). It can be used informally as a verb (e.g., 'to macrame a hanger'), but 'do/make macrame' is more standard.
Macrame creates fabric through knotting, without a loom. Weaving typically involves interlacing threads on a loom.
It saw a major surge in popularity as a DIY home craft during the 1970s bohemian and hippie movements.
Traditionally cotton, hemp, or jute cord. Modern macrame may use synthetic cords, wool, or even leather.