art deco

American  

Or Art Deco

noun

1. a style of decorative art developed originally in the 1920s with a revival in the 1960s, marked chiefly by geometric motifs, curvilinear forms, sharply defined outlines, often bold colors, and the use of synthetic materials, as plastics.

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Art Deco British  

/ ˈdɛkəʊ /

noun

1. 1. a style of interior decoration, jewellery, architecture, etc, at its height in the 1930s and characterized by geometrical shapes, stylized natural forms, and symmetrical utilitarian designs adapted to mass production

   2. ( as modifier )

      an Art-Deco carpet

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Etymology

Origin of art deco

1965–70; < French Art Déco, shortened from Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an exposition of modern decorative and industrial arts held in Paris, France, in 1925

Example Sentences

He stops frequently to point out neoclassical and art deco flourishes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The future of the Chrysler Building, a unique monument to art deco architecture on the Manhattan skyline, remains in limbo as it awaits a possible sale.

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

Down the street, we peeked in on renovations at the art deco Warner Grand Theater, which is approaching its 100th birthday.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2025

Penarth Pier, now 117 years old and instantly recognisable with its art deco styled pavilion building, permits fishing for nine months of the year.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

We stepped into the cab, which was paneled with an art deco pattern of inlaid wood and had brass railings on three sides.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu