decoupage

American  

[dey-koo-pahzh] / ˌdeɪ kuˈpɑʒ /

noun

1. the art or technique of decorating something with cut-outs of paper, linoleum, plastic, or other flat material over which varnish or lacquer is applied.

2. work produced by the art or technique of decoupage.

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verb (used with object)

decoupaged, decoupaging

1. to decorate by decoupage.

   walls decoupaged with photographs of movie stars.

2. to apply or use as decoupage or by decoupage technique.

   Let's decoupage these maps onto the tabletops.

decoupage British  

/ ˌdeɪkuːˈpɑːʒ /

noun

1. the art or process of decorating a surface with shapes or illustrations cut from paper, card, etc

2. anything produced by this technique

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Etymology

Origin of decoupage

1955–60; < French découpage a cutting out, equivalent to Middle French decoup ( er ) to cut out ( de- de- + couper to cut; see coupé, coup ¹) + -age -age

Example Sentences

The Etsy store Sea and Stable has turned oyster shells into blue decoupage chinoiserie jewelry holders and trinket bowls.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2022

But a new line of glass decoupage plates by designer John Derian and artist Katharine Barnwell feature patterns taken from six presidential administrations.

From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2018

Entering the store, shoppers will be greeted by a three-tiered table featuring Derian’s decoupage designs and artist Livia Cetti’s paper flowers; custom cabinetry showcasing Astier de Villatte ceramics will line the room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2018

Margie enjoys sewing, needlework, ceramics, decoupage and cooking.

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2015

Our stacks of Cosmopolitan were topped with an unread issue of Boy's Life or Sports Illustrated, and our decoupage projects were concealed beneath the sporting equipment we never asked for but always received.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris