bauble

[ baw-buhl ]

noun

1. a showy, usually cheap, ornament; trinket; gewgaw.
2. a jester's scepter.

bauble

/ ˈbɔːbəl /

noun

1. a showy toy or trinket of little value; trifle
2. a small, usually spherical ornament made of coloured or decorated material which is hung from the branches of a Christmas tree Usual US nameChristmas ornament
3. (formerly) a mock staff of office carried by a court jester

Word History and Origins

Origin of bauble¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English babel, babulle, from Old French babel, baubel, derivatives of an expressive base with varying vocalisms; compare Old French baubelet “little trinket”; bibelot

Word History and Origins

Origin of bauble¹

C14: from Old French baubel plaything, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Balancing this is the show’s caustic tut-tutting at materialists for wanting these baubles in the first place.

From Salon

"The American dream is not contingent on cheap baubles from China."

From Salon

Children were given the job of finding Father Christmas' stolen hat as they worked their way through themed rooms with tasks such as painting baubles, fixing toys and sorting letters from naughty and nice lists.

From BBC

The image shows ten balls of stars of different colours, appearing like Christmas tree baubles hanging in the cosmos.

From BBC

Even so, this direct-to-streaming bauble benefits from two leads whose charm effortlessly outshines the material.

From New York Times

Related Words

• knickknack
• trinket