atelier

American  

[at-l-yey, at-l-yey, at^uh-lyey] / ˈæt lˌjeɪ, ˌæt lˈjeɪ, atəˈljeɪ /

noun

ateliers plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ateliers
  plural

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.

Related Words

• library
• office
• salon
• shop
• workshop