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

They set up a workbench outside their shuttered atelier showing they were ready to work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

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

"She wasn't the person toiling away with pattern-making back in the atelier, but she really did prove herself, and more credit to her."

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

Inside, the atelier is showcasing a meticulous couture bridal collection in a museum-style exhibition.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

“Yes; work; to be sure. You promised to show me your work. What morning may I come up to your atelier? To-morrow?”

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

• library
• office
• salon
• shop
• workshop