bricolage

[ bree-kuh-lahzh, brik-uh- ]

/ ˌbri kəˈlɑʒ, ˌbrɪk ə- /

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noun, plural bri·co·la·ges

[bree-kuh-lah-zhiz, ‐lahzh], /ˌbri kəˈlɑ ʒɪz, ‐ˈlɑʒ/, bri·co·lage.

a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things.

(in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.

(in art) a piece of makeshift handiwork.

the use of multiple, diverse research methods.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of bricolage

First recorded in 1960–65; from French, literally, “do-it-yourself,” from bricoler “to do odd jobs, small chores,” from Middle French bricoler “to zigzag, bounce off,” from Old French bricole “a trifle, bricole ” + -age -age

Words nearby bricolage

bricktop, brick veneer, brickwork, bricky, brickyard, bricolage, bricole, BRICs, bridal, Bridalveil, bridal wreath

British Dictionary definitions for bricolage

bricolage

/ (ˈbrɪkəˌlɑːʒ, French brɪkɔlaʒ) /

noun architect

the jumbled effect produced by the close proximity of buildings from different periods and in different architectural styles

the deliberate creation of such an effect in certain modern developmentsthe post-modernist bricolage of the new shopping centre

Word Origin for bricolage

French: odd jobs, do-it-yourself

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012