appliqué

1 of 2

noun

ap·​pli·​qué ˌa-plə-ˈkā How to pronounce appliqué (audio)
Synonyms of appliquénext
: a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material

appliqué

2 of 2

verb

appliquéd; appliquéing

transitive verb

: to apply (something, such as a decoration or ornament) to a larger surface : overlay

Examples of appliqué 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.
Noun
The appliques elevate the bag by adding a pop of texture and elegance. — Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 The floor-length number was designed with a plunging V-neck, adorned with sparkling floral appliques. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Verb
Haehlen, who has Down syndrome, smiles wide and twirls her skirt, revealing how intricately it’s appliqued with sequined, floral explosions of color. — Tony Bravo, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018 An eggplant placemat is appliqued with a border of coral and paired with Leotine's Chopstick monogram for an unforgettable table bathed in color. — Sarah Bray, ELLE Decor, 21 Mar. 2014 See All Example Sentences for appliqué

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, past participle of appliquer "to put on, apply," going back to Old French apliquier "to put to use, utilize in a certain way," borrowed from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)" — more at apply

Note: French appliqué is apparently not recorded with the specific sense of the English word in the eighteenth or nineteenth century; see discussion s.v. in the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition.

Verb

derivative of appliqué entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appliqué was in 1763

Browse Nearby Words

applier
appliqué
appliquer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appliqué.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appliqu%C3%A9. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appliqué

1 of 2 noun
ap·​pli·​qué ˌap-lə-ˈkā How to pronounce appliqué (audio)
: a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material

appliqué

2 of 2 verb
appliquéd; appliquéing
: to apply an appliqué to a larger surface

More from Merriam-Webster on appliqué

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appliqué

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