bijou
Americannoun
plural
bijoux-
a jewel.
-
something small, delicate, and exquisitely wrought.
noun
-
something small and delicately worked, such as a trinket
-
ironic (modifier) small but elegant and tasteful
a bijou residence
Etymology
Origin of bijou
1660–70; < French < Breton bizou (jeweled) ring, derivative of biz finger; cognate with Cornish bisou finger-ring, derivative of bis finger
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This year's search showcased a variety of home styles including quirky conversions, grand designs, period renovations and bijou pads.
From BBC
“Watermark is also a must,” says Maul of the bijou bookstore.
From Seattle Times
After his friends go home, he makes for his bedroom, a bijou space to the rear of the apartment that’s appointed with a simple antique Iranian table and a Flos Parentesi lamp.
From New York Times
The bijou dwelling is an example of what campaigners say is a growing phenomenon of micro-homes, driven by high rent and property prices.
From BBC
With not even a loo on board, it’s definitely on the bijou side for an eight-hour working day, but for Sigwart, director of the marine laboratory at Queen’s University, Belfast, the experience is worth it.
From The Guardian
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
