bijou
Americannoun
plural
bijoux-
a jewel.
-
something small, delicate, and exquisitely wrought.
noun
-
something small and delicately worked, such as a trinket
-
ironic (modifier) small but elegant and tasteful
a bijou residence
Etymology
Origin of bijou
1660–70; < French < Breton bizou (jeweled) ring, derivative of biz finger; cognate with Cornish bisou finger-ring, derivative of bis finger
Explanation
A bijou is a small, intricately crafted item, often used to describe elegant jewelry. It can also refer to a charming, cozy place, like a beautifully decorated apartment. Bijou is a versatile word that comes from French, meaning "jewel." As a noun, it often refers to a small, elegant piece of jewelry, like a lovely brooch or a finely crafted ring. As an adjective, bijou describes something that is charmingly small or exquisitely made. Imagine a cozy café filled with delightful decorations or a beautifully designed piece of art — both can be called bijou.
Vocabulary lists containing bijou
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This year's search showcased a variety of home styles including quirky conversions, grand designs, period renovations and bijou pads.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2023
“Watermark is also a must,” says Maul of the bijou bookstore.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2022
After his friends go home, he makes for his bedroom, a bijou space to the rear of the apartment that’s appointed with a simple antique Iranian table and a Flos Parentesi lamp.
From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2022
The bedrooms are bijou, with a clean, functional feel: bare brick painted brilliant white, wiring hidden in aluminium tubes, TV, coffee and tea things on a small chest of drawers.
From The Guardian • Oct. 25, 2019
Hamel remained with Ayala and Tom, talking of the old days at the bijou, till he found himself obliged to leave them.
From Ayala's Angel by Trollope, Anthony
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
