bagatelle

[ bag-uh-tel ]

noun

1. something of little value or importance; a trifle:

   "A mere bagatelle," she murmured in response to my admiration of her ring.

2. a game played on a board having holes at one end into which balls are to be struck with a cue.
3. pinball.
4. a short and light musical composition, typically for the piano.

bagatelle

/ ˌbæɡəˈtɛl /

noun

1. something of little value or significance; trifle
2. a board game in which balls are struck into holes, with pins as obstacles; pinball
3. See bar billiards
   another name for bar billiards
4. a short light piece of music, esp for piano

Word History and Origins

Origin of bagatelle¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French, from Italian bagat(t)ella, equivalent to bagatt(a) “small possession,” perhaps a derivative of bag(a) “berry” (from Latin bāca, bacca ) + -att(a), diminutive suffix + -ella, from Latin -illa diminutive suffix; bay ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of bagatelle¹

C17: from French, from Italian bagattella , from (dialect) bagatta a little possession, from baga a possession, probably from Latin bāca berry

Example Sentences

After all, in the face of death, financial ruin seemed a mere bagatelle.

From Project Gutenberg

My object in going to the Crimea was to speculate in munitions of war, which I supposed would be sold for a mere bagatelle.

From Project Gutenberg

Lise left her abruptly, darting down a street that led to a back entrance of the Bagatelle, and Janet pursued her way.

From Project Gutenberg

It is scarcely too much to say that his ostentatious preference for the bagatelle was a real, and not in the least affected fact.

From Project Gutenberg

"Those bagatelle diatribes about Hegelism," etc., are not reprinted in this book, not a single syllable of them!

From Project Gutenberg