French word

bibelot

Pronunciation

IPA/bibəlo/

Meaning

  • masculine nountrinket

Example

Sur l'étagère, il y a un bibelot en verre.

On the shelf, there is a glass trinket.

Illustration for bibelot (trinket)

More examples

Elle aime acheter un bibelot quand elle voyage.

She likes to buy a knickknack when she travels.

Core concept

A small decorative object kept on a shelf for its appearance or sentimental value.

Common phrases

  • acheter un bibelot

    buy a knickknack

  • offrir un bibelot

    give a knickknack

Similar words

objet: A concrete physical object or item.
truc: A casual term for a thing or matter without a specific name.
souvenir: A small memento or gift kept to commemorate a memory or occasion.
décoration: A decorative object used to make a room or other item look more attractive.

Definition in French

Petit objet ornemental, souvent sans usage pratique, que l'on expose pour sa valeur esthétique ou sentimentale.

Word origin

Bibelot has an uncertain origin, and French dictionaries do not establish a secure derivation for it.

Usage tips

  • Bibelot is masculine, and the final t is silent, so un bibelot is pronounced roughly like "bee-blow."

Other meanings

  • ornamentnoun

Word lists with this word