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; cf. bay ⁴

Explanation

A bagatelle is a trifle or a trinket — a little thing without too much importance or value. You might wake on Christmas morning to find your stocking full of bagatelles. Use the noun bagatelle when you're talking about something that's purely decorative, like a bauble or knickknack, or that's very easily done. For example, you might say, "Oh watching your cat was such a bagatelle — I really didn't have to do a thing!" The word is French, meaning "knick-knack, bauble, or trinket," from the diminutive form of the Latin baca, or "berry."

Example Sentences

As one of four sites for the Paris Botanical Garden, the Parc de Bagatelle preserves rich plant collections in thematic gardens.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2022

In turn, his heir, Sir Richard Wallace, lived at Bagatelle, famously donating to Paris the water fountains that still bear his name.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2022

Her goal: to use the purloined flower to create a game-changing hybrid rose, win the famed Bagatelle International New Rose Contest and salvage her business.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2022

In 1810, Ludwig van Beethoven wrote one of his most famous piano compositions, the Bagatelle in A-minor.

From Washington Times • Apr. 27, 2021

Went to see Bagatelle yesterday with the Duchesse de G——.

From The Idler in France by Blessington, Marguerite, Countess of