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decoupage

noun
de·​cou·​page | \ ˌdā-(ˌ)kü-ˈpäzh How to pronounce decoupage (audio) \
variants: or découpage

Definition of decoupage

1 : the art of decorating surfaces by applying cutouts (as of paper) and then coating with usually several layers of finish (such as lacquer or varnish)
2 : work produced by decoupage
Other Words from decoupage Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about decoupage

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Other Words from decoupage

decoupage or découpage transitive verb

Did You Know?

Decoupage originated in France in the 17th century as a means of artistically decorating pieces of furniture with pictures. It took a few centuries, but by the mid-20th century "decoupage" became a household name in American interior decoration. The word is fashioned from Middle French decouper, meaning "to cut out." "Decouper," in turn, pastes together the prefix de- ("from" or "away") and "couper" ("to cut). Other descendants of "couper" include "coppice" (a growth of small trees that are periodically cut), "coupé" (a horse-drawn carriage for two with a driver outside and whose name is thought to be from French carrosse coupé, literally, "cut-off coach"), and the clear-cut "coupon."

Examples of decoupage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 These decoupage clay dishes are a gorgeous way to keep your accessories close at hand. 5. — Sienna Fantozzi, House Beautiful, "10 DIY Ways To Upgrade Your Vanity," 18 July 2018 Known for his love of decoupage (his paperweights are a go-to for designers), Derian owns four charming home goods shops in New York City. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "John Derian's Decorating Secrets for the Chicest Home Ever," 13 Feb. 2019 In the case of Le Botaniste, the book in question is John Derian's Picture Book, a compilation of the designer and decoupage artist's work—which already features prominently in Le Botaniste cafés. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "A Brilliant, Affordable Way to Get Custom Wallpaper," 14 June 2019 Today, Derian is best known for his (often floral-focused) decoupage objects. — Madeleine Luckel, Vogue, "7 Dried Flower Arrangements to Inspire Your Fall Decorating," 5 Sep. 2018 Another treasured line is the series of decoupage envelope boxes and letter holders made by Scanlon Apparati in Switzerland, whose owner, Beth, found Brooks on Instagram and felt inspired to get in touch. — Jo Rodgers, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Magpie Makings of Amanda Brooks’s New Cotswolds Shop," 18 July 2018 In the front room, custom shelving will host John Derian decoupage pieces and Astier de Villatte ceramics, alongside a selection of eclectic table linens, vintage cutlery and Buly 1803 beauty products. — Natalia Rachlin, WSJ, "The Onetime Barneys Fashion Director Setting Up Shop in the English Countryside," 27 May 2018 Like sad, lonely decoupage, a shelf of inward-facing books offers the aesthetic of sandpaper. — Danielle Fox, ELLE Decor, "Can We Please Stop Acting Like Backward Books Are A Legit Trend?," 12 Jan. 2018 John opened his first shop of handmade decoupage tabletop pieces in 1995, in a little shop in the East Village on 2nd Street, between the Bowery and Second Avenue. — Wendy Goodman, The Cut, "John Derian’s Expanding Universe," 29 Mar. 2018

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

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First Known Use of decoupage

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for decoupage

French découpage, literally, act of cutting out, from Middle French, from decouper to cut out, from de- + couper to cut — more at cope entry 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on decoupage

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with decoupage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decoupage

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