bijou

[ bee-zhoo, bee-zhoo ]

noun

, plural bi·joux [bee, -zhooz, bee-, zhooz].

1. a jewel.
2. something small, delicate, and exquisitely wrought.

bijou

/ ˈbiːʒuː /

noun

1. something small and delicately worked, such as a trinket
2. ironic.
   modifier small but elegant and tasteful

   a bijou residence

Word History and Origins

Origin of bijou¹

1660–70; < French < Breton bizou (jeweled) ring, derivative of biz finger; cognate with Cornish bisou finger-ring, derivative of bis finger

Word History and Origins

Origin of bijou¹

C19: from French, from Breton bizou finger ring, from biz finger; compare Welsh bys finger, Cornish bis

Example Sentences

Her inner circle of friends included Paris and Nicky Hilton, Bijou Phillips and Lindsay Lohan.

From The Daily Beast

Haggard and his wife sat in the little drawing-room of their bijou house in May Fair.

From Project Gutenberg

She had succeeded Olympe Bijou in the old fellow's affections.

From Project Gutenberg

The model prison at Pentonville is an architectural bijou, but terribly expensive.

From Project Gutenberg

Hers had just presented her with a lovely coupe, lined with yellow satin, a perfect bijou.

From Project Gutenberg

The footman showed him into the small drawing-room of the baroness, a bijou of a room, furnished in gilt and crimson satin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bracelet
• brooch
• costume
• earring
• gem
• glass
• gold
• jewel
• knickknack
• necklace
• ornament
• pendant
• silver
• tiara
• treasure
• trinket