: to apply (something, such as a decoration or ornament) to a larger surface : overlay
Examples of appliqué in a Sentence
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Noun
The rapper paired the blue jeans with a blazer adorned with paisley appliques, white tank and a cowboy hat.—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Nov. 2024 The dress has a basque-style waist, decorative pearl beading, delicate lace appliques and a scoop-back neckline with 21 buttons.—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024 The idea is how collectibles and crafts inspire embellishments, including charms, handcrafted appliques, travel badges and unique brooches.—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 The choreographer accessorized with layered necklaces, gold bangles and pumps featuring bow appliques.—Hannah Malach, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024 The actress selected a black velvet Rodarte gown featuring a plunging neckline and floral appliques.—Hannah Malach, WWD, 15 Sep. 2024 There were gowns that slithered along the body — in a sheer, gauzy black chiffon with gold appliques, in shiny leather, and sequined silver with slits and straps.—Blue Carreon, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Sydney Sweeney Coordinated with her co-star Ana de Armas once again, Sweeney wore a black velvet Alexander McQueen gown consisting of a plunging, cutout filled in with mesh and floral applique.—Marissa Muller, WWD, 8 Sep. 2024 Fur, appliques and layered patchwork decorated other jean styles.—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2024
Verb
An eggplant placemat is appliqued with a border of coral and paired with Leotine's Chopstick monogram for an unforgettable table bathed in color.—Sarah Bray, ELLE Decor, 21 Mar. 2014 Haehlen, who has Down syndrome, smiles wide and twirls her skirt, revealing how intricately it’s appliqued with sequined, floral explosions of color.—Tony Bravo, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018 The antithesis of timid, Alessandro Michele at Gucci appliques hats, tops and jeans with motifs like bats, cats, bugs and wolves that make Ralph Lauren’s polo pony seem like a meek flea.—Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 27 Sep. 2017
Word History
Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French, past participle of appliquer "to put on, apply," going back to Old French apliquier "to put to use, utilize in a certain way," borrowed from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)" — more at apply
Note:
French appliqué is apparently not recorded with the specific sense of the English word in the eighteenth or nineteenth century; see discussion s.v. in the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition.
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