bauble

[baw-buhl]

noun

1. a showy, usually cheap, ornament; trinket; gewgaw.

2. a jester's scepter.

bauble

/ ˈbɔːbəl /

noun

1. a showy toy or trinket of little value; trifle

2. Usual US name: Christmas ornament. a small, usually spherical ornament made of coloured or decorated material which is hung from the branches of a Christmas tree

3. (formerly) a mock staff of office carried by a court jester

Word History and Origins

Origin of bauble¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English babel, babulle, from Old French babel, baubel, derivatives of an expressive base with varying vocalisms; compare Old French baubelet “little trinket”; bibelot

Word History and Origins

Origin of bauble¹

C14: from Old French baubel plaything, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Critics say he’s winging it, exaggerating wishes into declarations, tantalized by the bauble of a Nobel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If the gang actually manages to fence the recognizable Napoleonic baubles, do the people in those key roles get a bigger cut?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Rather than keep them all anyway, he held onto specific baubles for their daughters.

Read more on BBC

At the Oval Office, he also loves to host those who have presented him with shiny baubles — like Apple CEO Tim Cook, who had given him a gold trophy with his company’s logo on it.

Read more on Salon

A Christmas tree was dusted off, tinsel and baubles were unpacked, and the hotel was decked out with decorations.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• knickknack 
• trinket