bagatelle

American  

[bag-uh-tel] / ˌbæg əˈtɛl /

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.

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bagatelle British  

/ 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. another name for bar billiards

4. a short light piece of music, esp for piano

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Etymology

Origin of bagatelle

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

Example Sentences

Dudamel, who joyfully held Simon’s diverse musical styles together, began the program with Bernstein’s “Divertimento,” a collection of short, popular-styled bagatelles, including dances and blues numbers.

From Los Angeles Times

If there was a misstep on Tuesday, it was in following the bagatelle with Beethoven’s “Pathétique” Sonata, which might have provided an impassioned climax had it not been performed with such a level head.

From New York Times

While practicing here, he has been playing pieces by Ukrainian composers, including bagatelles by Silvestrov, to remind him of home.

From New York Times

The multimillionaire said that $100,000 “was a bagatelle to me” and that the loan was simply “a personal transaction based on old-time friendship.”

From Washington Post

“Ma Belle, My Beauty” may be a mere bagatelle, but it’s a diverting and attractive one.

From Washington Post