often attributive
1
: a style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail
also : the use of similar technique in interior decorating
2
: a trompe l'oeil painting or effect
3
: something that misleads or deceives the senses : illusion

Examples of trompe l'oeil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ultimate trompe l'oeil, sweatpant jeans are printed to look like denim, but they're made from soft materials like cotton and fleece. Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025 But the breakout star of this collection has to be the $420 pink, long-sleeve midi dress guaranteed to turn heads as the trompe l'oeil print creates the impression that the wearer is totally nude. Emily Kirkpatrick, Peoplemag, 18 July 2023 Other desirable details—including Carrara marble, Murano chandeliers, and trompe l'oeil artwork—complete the five-star experience. Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 23 June 2023 Back in the city, the studio of Jim Thompson was draped with the latest launch of the Tony Duquette collection earlier this year: On the most prominent wall is a maximalist trompe l'oeil cabinet of curiosities, featuring shelves bearing seashells, coral, and other motifs. Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, 12 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for trompe l'oeil

Word History

Etymology

French trompe-l'œil, literally, deceives the eye

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trompe l'oeil was in 1889

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trompe l'oeil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trompe%20l%27oeil. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trompe l'oeil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!