reticule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “reticule” mean?
A small, typically decorative, women's handbag or pouch, historically made of netted fabric and often used in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, typically decorative, women's handbag or pouch, historically made of netted fabric and often used in the 18th and 19th centuries.
1. A small drawstring bag for carrying personal items, especially a historical accessory. 2. In geometry or technical drawing, a reticle or network of fine lines in an optical instrument's eyepiece used for measurement (this is a specialist, less common usage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both, the historical/fashion meaning dominates. American English is marginally more likely to use the term in historical fiction or reenactment contexts. The optical term 'reticle' is preferred in both for technical clarity.
Connotations
Connotes historical periods (Regency, Victorian), elegance, and antiquated fashion. No significant difference in connotation between UK and US.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech in both varieties. Found in historical novels, costume history, and museum descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “reticule” in a Sentence
She fastened [POSSESSIVE ADJ] reticule.The [ADJ] reticule contained [NOUN PHRASE].It was carried in a reticule.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reticule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, fashion, or textile studies when discussing period accessories.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary conversation.
Technical
Rarely used as a variant of 'reticle' in optics or engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reticule”
- Spelling it as 'reticule' (the correct spelling is 'reticule').
- Pronouncing it as /rɪˈtɪk.juːl/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it to refer to a modern large handbag.
- Confusing it with 'reticle' in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the historical precursor. It was typically smaller, made of fabric, and closed with a drawstring, unlike most structured modern handbags.
In British English, /ˈrɛt.ɪ.kjuːl/ (RET-i-kyool). In American English, /ˈre.t̬ɪ.kjuːl/ (RET-i-kyool). The first syllable is stressed.
Yes, rarely, it can be a technical term for a network of lines (a reticle) in an optical instrument. However, the fashion/historical meaning is far more common.
It was most popular from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries, particularly during the Regency and early Victorian periods.
A small, typically decorative, women's handbag or pouch, historically made of netted fabric and often used in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Reticule is usually formal, historical, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a lady at a REGENCY ball, carrying a RETICULE. Both words start with 'RE' and are linked to a historical period.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR FEMININE ESSENTIALS (historical).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'reticule' most appropriately used?