fal-lal

noun

fa-ˈlal

ˈfa(l)-ˌlal

Synonyms of fal-lal

: a fancy ornament especially in dress

fallalery

fa-ˈla-lə-rē

noun

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of falbala furbelow, from French

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of fal-lal was in 1703

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fal-lal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fal-lal. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

fastidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Popular

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories