point lace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, historical, technical (textiles/fashion)
Quick answer
What does “point lace” mean?
A delicate, intricate handmade lace created by working with a needle and thread (not with bobbins), traditionally used on fine clothing and linens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A delicate, intricate handmade lace created by working with a needle and thread (not with bobbins), traditionally used on fine clothing and linens.
It can metaphorically refer to anything of exquisite, intricate, and delicate workmanship. It is also used historically and culturally as a symbol of luxury, high status, or meticulous female labor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally recognized in both varieties but is highly specialized. In American English, 'needlepoint lace' is a more common synonymous term. In British English, 'point lace' is the traditional term found in historical texts.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with heirlooms, museums, and historical costume. Slightly stronger association with European (particularly Italian 'punto in aria' and French) heritage in British usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Likely encountered only in specific contexts like antique auctions, fashion history, or textile crafts.
Grammar
How to Use “point lace” in a Sentence
made of [point lace]trimmed with [point lace]adorned with [point lace][point lace] from [country/period]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “point lace” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The point-lace cuff was carefully restored.
- A point-lace specialist examined the gown.
American English
- The point-lace trim was imported.
- She wore a point-lace veil.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the description of luxury goods, antiques, or bespoke tailoring.
Academic
Used in papers and texts on art history, fashion history, material culture, and women's studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Would be marked as a highly specialized term.
Technical
Standard term in textile arts, lace-making, conservation, and historical garment curation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “point lace”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “point lace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “point lace”
- Using 'point lace' to refer to any lace pattern with dots or points.
- Confusing it with 'lace points' (which could refer to the tips of laces on shoes).
- Misspelling as 'pointlace' (it is typically two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Point lace' is a specific type of 'lace'. All point lace is lace, but not all lace is point lace. Point lace is defined by its needlework technique.
Yes, but it is rare and expensive. It is made by specialized artisans and is often sold in high-end fabric stores, at craft fairs, or through bespoke textile artists. Antique point lace is sold at auctions.
The difference is in the tool and technique. Point lace (needle lace) is made with a single needle and thread, building stitches upon a temporary foundation. Bobbin lace is made by weaving threads wound on many bobbins, pinned to a pillow.
The term derives from the French 'point', meaning 'stitch' (as in 'point de Venise'). It refers to the individual stitches made by the point (tip) of the needle, not to dots or points in the pattern.
A delicate, intricate handmade lace created by working with a needle and thread (not with bobbins), traditionally used on fine clothing and linens.
Point lace is usually formal, historical, technical (textiles/fashion) in register.
Point lace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪnt ˌleɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪnt ˌleɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the POINT of a needle creating LACE stitch by stitch.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICACY IS INTRICACY (e.g., 'a point lace of arguments'); LUXURY IS HANDCRAFTED DETAIL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of point lace?