decoupage

noun

de·​cou·​page ˌdā-(ˌ)kü-ˈpäzh 

variants or découpage

1

: the art of decorating surfaces by applying cutouts (as of paper) and then coating with usually several layers of finish (such as lacquer or varnish)

2

: work produced by decoupage

decoupage transitive verb

or découpage

Did you know?

Decoupage originated in France in the 17th century as a means of artistically decorating pieces of furniture with pictures. It took a few centuries, but by the mid-20th century decoupage became a household name in American interior decoration. The word is fashioned from Middle French decouper, meaning "to cut out." Decouper, in turn, pastes together the prefix de- ("from" or "away") and couper ("to cut). Other descendants of couper include coppice (a growth of small trees that are periodically cut), coupé (a horse-drawn carriage for two with a driver outside and whose name is thought to be from French carrosse coupé, literally, "cut-off coach"), and the clear-cut coupon.

Examples of decoupage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paint pumpkin with a 2:1 blend of decoupage medium and water, then apply shapes. —Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024

The group had previously tried decoupage, painting and pottery together. —Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024

Brush the decoupage medium onto the back of a paper strip and apply it to an egg, smoothing out the excess glue and air bubbles, and repeat until the egg is covered. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2024

Scouts would seek locations that reflected the decoupages, which set designers would then style with props to further emulate the artworks. —Chantel Tattoli, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French découpage, literally, act of cutting out, from Middle French, from decouper to cut out, from de- + couper to cut — more at cope entry 1

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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