lavaliere

[ lav-uh-leer, lah-vuh- ]

noun

1. an ornamental pendant, usually jeweled, worn on a chain around the neck.
2. lavaliere microphone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavaliere¹

First recorded in 1915–20; after the Duchesse de La Vallière (1644–1710), one of the mistresses of Louis XIV

Example Sentences

When I was a child, my father gave me a necklace called a lavaliere.

From New York Times

For our taped conversations, we had switched from handheld microphones—because it was too difficult now for Morrie to hold anything that long—to the lavaliere kind popular with TV newspeople.

From Literature

The lavaliere was concealed in tall grass immediately beneath the window of Carpenter's room, and thus had at first escaped the eyes of the police.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bracelet
• brooch
• costume
• earring
• gem
• glass
• gold
• jewel
• knickknack
• necklace
• ornament
• pendant
• silver
• tiara
• treasure
• trinket

More About Lavaliere

What is a lavaliere?

Lavaliere is a shortening of lavaliere microphone, a small microphone that is attached to the clothing at the neckline and is either wireless or has a wire hidden within the wearer’s clothes. 

Lavaliere microphones are especially used in television studio recording but are also used for other types of events, such as in-the-field recording, live performances, or local gatherings. Lavaliere microphones are also known as lapel mikes, lavs, and lav mics.

A lavaliere is also a pendant or similar ornament worn around the neck on a chain. Lavalieres are often large or very detailed and artistic and can be worn on a small chain to draw attention to the pendant itself rather than the whole item. Most lavalieres feature genuine or imitation precious stones or jewels. 

Example: Hwan made sure his lavaliere was attached to his collar before the show started.

Where does lavaliere come from?

The first records of the term lavaliere come from around the 1910s. It comes from the title Duchesse de La Vallière. In the late 1600s, the Duchesse de La Vallière, Louise-Françoise de La Baume le Blanc, was a mistress of King Louis XIV of France. Wearing decorative pendants became a fashion trend during that period and was possibly inspired by de La Baume le Blanc, as she was known for her style and fashion.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to lavaliere?

• lav (shortening)
• lavalier (alternative spelling)
• lavallière (alternative spelling)

What are some synonyms for lavaliere?

• lapel mike
• pendant

What are some words that share a root or word element with lavaliere? 

• lavaliere microphone

What are some words that often get used in discussing lavaliere?

• jewelry
• necklace
• pendant
• lapel
• microphone
• wireless

How is lavaliere used in real life?

Lavaliere is frequently used to refer to either a microphone or a pendant.

Wearing v-necks all week so people can see your new lavaliere. #TSM

— Total Sorority Move (@totalsratmove) September 13, 2013

Virtual speaking tip: Mute your lavaliere microphone if you use the restroom just before your talk. (Yes there was an incident. No I won't provide details.)

— David Meerman Scott (@dmscott) July 13, 2020

c1925 ART DECO Sgnd CZECH Black Filigree LAVALIERE on BEZEL SET Marcasite Chain https://t.co/i4Rn0HB7XG eBay pic.twitter.com/PfHIbrheat

— Vintage and Antique Jewelry (@VintageandAnti1) February 16, 2022

Try using lavaliere!

Is lavaliere used correctly in the following sentence?

“Marie’s costume jewelry collection featured many lavalieres from the 1920s.”