decoupage

noun

de·​cou·​page ˌdā-(ˌ)kü-ˈpäzh 

variants or découpage

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

decoupage transitive verb

or découpage

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

The castle also offers a Christmas decoration wood decoupage workshop and the opportunity to learn about Georgian chocolate, as well as a performance by Northern Ireland’s 25-member chamber choir Cappella Caeciliana on Dec. 15. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Paint pumpkin with a 2:1 blend of decoupage medium and water, then apply shapes. —Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024

The group had previously tried decoupage, painting and pottery together. —Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024

Brush the decoupage medium onto the back of a paper strip and apply it to an egg, smoothing out the excess glue and air bubbles, and repeat until the egg is covered. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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