Illustration of filigree
- filigree 2a
fil·i·gree
ˈfi-lə-ˌgrē
1
: ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
a headband decorated with silver filigree
2
a
: ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design
b
: a pattern or design resembling such openwork
a filigree of frost
c
: ornamentation, embellishment
… writings … heavy with late Victorian filigree.—Jack Beatty
Did you know?
Ornamental work formerly made with grains or beads is called filigree. It comes from an Italian word made from the Latin words for thread and grain. Today filigree is usually of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper, and is used chiefly to decorate gold and silver surfaces. Filigree can also apply to any ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design or to a pattern or design resembling such openwork.
Cite this Entry
“Filigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filigree. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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