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bagatelle

noun
bag·​a·​telle | \ ËŒba-gÉ™-ˈtel How to pronounce bagatelle (audio) \

Definition of bagatelle

1 : trifle sense 1
2 : any of various games involving the rolling of balls into scoring areas
3 : a short literary or musical piece in light style
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about bagatelle

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Examples of bagatelle in a Sentence

the question of who will pick up the coffee is a mere bagatelle in the overall planning of the conference

Recent Examples on the Web

 Lewis kept the scope of emotion in the first bagatelle more along the lines of concerned. — Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, "Paul Lewis closes Philadelphia Chamber Music Society piano series," 11 May 2018 As far as performance marathons go, the 10 hours of John Zorn’s bagatelles on Saturday at National Sawdust in Brooklyn may not have been the most sprawling. — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, "A John Zorn Weekend — 10-Hour Marathon Concert Included," 24 Oct. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bagatelle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of bagatelle

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bagatelle

French, from Italian bagattella

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More from Merriam-Webster on bagatelle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bagatelle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bagatelle

Spanish Central: Translation of bagatelle

Nglish: Translation of bagatelle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bagatelle

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