sheraton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Specialist (Antiques, Design History, High-end Interiors)
Quick answer
What does “sheraton” mean?
The style of furniture design popularised in the late 18th century, characterised by elegance, delicate proportions, and neoclassical motifs such as urns, swags, and bellflowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The style of furniture design popularised in the late 18th century, characterised by elegance, delicate proportions, and neoclassical motifs such as urns, swags, and bellflowers.
By extension, a term for high-quality furniture or interior design inspired by this historical style, or more rarely, used attributively to denote a refined, classical elegance in other contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, with 'Sheraton' being a universally recognised term in the antiques and design worlds. The referent is the same British designer, Thomas Sheraton.
Connotations
Conveys heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless, understated elegance. Strongly associated with high value and connoisseurship.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the style's origin, but equally specialist in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “sheraton” in a Sentence
[Det] Sheraton [Noun] (e.g., the Sheraton sofa)[Noun] in (the) Sheraton style[Noun] of Sheraton designVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sheraton” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verbal use.
American English
- No standard verbal use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- The drawing room featured several fine Sheraton pieces.
- He is a specialist in Sheraton period restoration.
American English
- The museum acquired a superb Sheraton card table.
- Her living room has a distinct Sheraton influence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the antiques trade, auction catalogues, and high-end furniture retail.
Academic
Used in art history, design history, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Very rare in everyday conversation except among enthusiasts or in contexts of purchasing valuable antiques.
Technical
Core term in furniture restoration, antique authentication, and period interior design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sheraton”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sheraton”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sheraton”
- Using it as a countable noun for a single piece without a following noun (incorrect: 'This is a Sheraton.'; correct: 'This is a Sheraton chair.').
- Confusing it with Chippendale (a heavier, earlier style) or Hepplewhite (similar but with distinctive shield-back chairs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Chippendale refers to an earlier, mid-18th century style that is generally heavier and more ornate, often using Gothic or Chinese motifs. Sheraton is later, lighter, and more strictly neoclassical.
Only if the modern piece is a direct reproduction or is strongly inspired by the historical Sheraton style. It is not a general synonym for 'elegant furniture.'
Both are derived from surnames (Thomas Sheraton, Ernest Henderson who named his hotel after a streetcar stop called 'Sheraton'). It is a coincidence of homophony.
No, it is not a trademark in the context of furniture and design. It is a historical style descriptor used freely in the antiques and design industries.
The style of furniture design popularised in the late 18th century, characterised by elegance, delicate proportions, and neoclassical motifs such as urns, swags, and bellflowers.
Sheraton is usually formal, specialist (antiques, design history, high-end interiors) in register.
Sheraton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛrətən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛrətən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical/descriptive term not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHARE of elegant, ATtention-to-detail furniture from the time of Napoleon – that's SHERATON.
Conceptual Metaphor
FURNITURE STYLE IS A PERSON (metonymy: the designer's name stands for the style he created).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of Sheraton furniture?