atelier

American  

[at-l-yey, at-l-yey, at^uh-lyey] / ˈæt lˌyeɪ, ˌæt lˈyeɪ, atəˈlyeɪ /

noun

plural

ateliers

1. a workshop or studio, especially of an artist, artisan, or designer.

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atelier British  

/ atəlje, ˈætəlˌjeɪ /

noun

1. an artist's studio or workshop

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Etymology

Origin of atelier

First recorded in 1830–40; from French: literally, “pile of chips” (hence, “workshop”), from Old French astele “chip (from Late Latin astella “splinter,” diminutive of Latin astula, assula “splinter,” equivalent to ass(is) “plank, board” + -ula ) + -ier noun suffix; see -ule, -ier ²

Explanation

An atelier is a workshop where an artist creates. An atelier is basically a studio, but it sounds way cooler. It’s a French word, so say it with an accent. An atelier is a room where artists make their work. A painter’s atelier will be full of paint, brushes, canvases, and other tools of the trade. Sculptors and designers also have ateliers. An atelier gives the artist the space and privacy needed to create. An atelier is a place of creativity.

Example Sentences

Seamstresses from the Valentino atelier, next to the Foundation, joined the hundreds of mourners paying their respects, while the windows in the Valentino shop were shrouded by blackout blinds.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

However, she later told the Times that after some chats about the dress over text, her mother-in-law to be had realised her atelier could not finish it in time.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

He enrolled in a traditionalistic atelier poorly suited for forward-thinking painters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

His swanky West Hollywood atelier had colorful wallpaper and African masks on the walls, a huge potbelly stove and a full bar, where customers could indulge throughout a fitting.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

Edna went up to her atelier —a bright room in the top of the house.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

• library
• office
• salon
• shop
• workshop