marcel

1 of 2

noun

mar·​cel mär-ˈsel How to pronounce marcel (audio)
: a deep soft wave made in the hair by the use of a heated curling iron

marcel

2 of 2

verb

marcelled; marcelling

transitive verb

: to make a marcel in

intransitive verb

: to make a marcel

Examples of marcel 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
This triple-threat iron works interchangeably as a wand, marcel and curling iron. Pamela Edwards Chrisitiani, Essence, 5 May 2021 The biggest difference between Harry Josh's travel curling iron and the full-size model is an optional marcel clip. Nicole Saunders, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2021 Once the back and sides are pinned, switch to a marcel curling iron for the front, top section to create a face-framing barrel curl. Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 1 Sep. 2016 The marcel clip detaches to reveal the 1-inch barrel wand. Carly Cardellino, Cosmopolitan, 21 Dec. 2015
Verb
Add the Dyson Supersonic or Hot Tools marcel iron to cart ASAP. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 July 2023 Kemi Moore, 17, her hair marcelled like a 1920s movie star, said the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union (EU) had unleashed nativist feelings in white Britain. Ellen Barry, The Seattle Times, 14 May 2018 Kemi Moore, 17, her hair marcelled like a 1920s movie star, said the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union had unleashed nativist feelings in white Britain. Ellen Barry, New York Times, 12 May 2018 Unexpected guest-The attractive accordioniste in pearls and marcelled curls. Micaela English, Town & Country, 12 July 2013 Her previously loose and tawny hair is now marcelled and peroxide blond; her glittering but shapeless black gown projects the expensive glamour of a society matron. Russell Platt, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Marcel Grateau †1936 French hairdresser

First Known Use

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1906, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of marcel was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near marcel

Cite this Entry

“Marcel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marcel. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on marcel

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!