art deco

noun

art de·​co ˌärt-ˈde-ˌkō How to pronounce art deco (audio)
ˌär(t)-dā-ˈkō, 
ˈär(t)-ˈdā-(ˌ)
variants often Art Deco
: a popular design style of the 1920s and 1930s characterized especially by bold outlines, geometric and zigzag forms, and the use of new materials (such as plastic)

Examples of art deco 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.
This playful design blends pink, green, and dark green tones, giving subtle art deco vibes. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 6 June 2026 Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds. — Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 24 June 2026 And when you’re finished on the shore, head to the iconic Catalina Casino, an art deco building used as an event venue (and not for gambling). — Adeline Duff, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 The mezzanine’s railing alternates plain bronze spindles with miniature art deco skyscrapers. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for art deco

Word History

Etymology

French Art Déco, from Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an exposition of modern decorative and industrial arts held in Paris, France, in 1925

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of art deco was in 1966

Rhymes for art deco

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Browse Nearby Words

ARTCC
art deco
art direct
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Cite this Entry

“Art deco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art%20deco. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on art deco

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about art deco

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