bric-a-brac

American  

[brik-uh-brak] / ˈbrɪk əˌbræk /

Or bric-à-brac

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.

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bric-a-brac British  

/ ˈbrɪkəˌbræk /

noun

1. miscellaneous small objects, esp furniture and curios, kept because they are ornamental or rare

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Etymology

Origin of bric-a-brac

1830–40; < French, Middle French: literally, at random, without rhyme or reason; gradational compound from elements of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Only a glance showed us that this was more than the usual hodgepodge of bric-a-brac and hollow-seated chairs.

From Literature

Most of those sales were probably for the usual bric-a-brac and curios the scenarioists bought for themselves, but the tally was easily going to be the best of the summer.

From Literature

Through the exhibit, the building is allowed to show its skin: Walls are plastered but unpainted, and the basement is stuffed with bric-a-brac accumulated during its long, colorful history.

From Los Angeles Times

In one of her newest pieces, “Once in a Lifetime” — part sculpture, part video display — precarious clusters of bric-a-brac form a mechanical marvel that appears to defy gravity.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the bric-a-brac are a hosiery stock card, old negatives and a birthday letter.

From Los Angeles Times