festoon

[ fe-stoon ]

noun

1. a string or chain of flowers, foliage, ribbon, etc., suspended in a curve between two points.
2. a decorative representation of this, as in architectural work or on pottery.
3. a fabric suspended, draped, and bound at intervals to form graceful loops or scalloped folds.
4. Dentistry. the garlandlike area of the gums surrounding the necks of the teeth.

verb (used with object)

1. to adorn with or as with festoons:

   to festoon a hall.

2. to form into festoons:

   to festoon flowers and leaves.

3. Dentistry. to reproduce natural gum patterns around the teeth or a denture.
4. to connect by festoons.

festoon

/ fɛˈstuːn /

noun

1. a decorative chain of flowers, ribbons, etc, suspended in loops; garland
2. a carved or painted representation of this, as in architecture, furniture, or pottery
3. 1. the scalloped appearance of the gums where they meet the teeth
   2. a design carved on the base material of a denture to simulate this
4. 1. either of two Zerynthia species of white pierid butterfly of southern Europe, typically mottled red, yellow, and brown
   2. an ochreous brown moth, Apoda avellana the unusual sluglike larvae of which feed on oak leaves

verb

1. to decorate or join together with festoons
2. to form into festoons

Other Words From

• unfes·tooned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of festoon¹

1670–80; < French feston < Italian festone decoration for a feast, derivative of festa festa

Word History and Origins

Origin of festoon¹

C17: from French feston , from Italian festone ornament for a feast, from festa feast

Example Sentences

The massive crater left by the Beirut strike was lit up in red and festooned with Hezbollah flags.

From BBC

A street musician played to lunchtime crowds, and during the holidays, lights festooned the parapets.

From Los Angeles Times

Nearby, Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Manny’s, a restaurant and civic gathering space in the city’s Mission District, was buzzing around showing off his “patriotic nails” painted red white and blue and festooned with glitter.

From Los Angeles Times

All around me are homes festooned with terrifying man-made skeletons, goblins, clowns and witches.

From Los Angeles Times

After an aggressive and somewhat insulting birthday toast, Trump wheels out an American flag-shaped birthday cake festooned with sparklers, an ode to Cohn’s oft-repeated professions of love for country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adorn
• deck
• drape
• hang
• swag
• trim