festoon

American  

[fe-stoon] / fɛˈstun /

noun

1. a string or chain of flowers, foliage, ribbon, etc., suspended in a curve between two points.

2. a decorative representation of this, as in architectural work or on pottery.

3. a fabric suspended, draped, and bound at intervals to form graceful loops or scalloped folds.

4. Dentistry. the garlandlike area of the gums surrounding the necks of the teeth.

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verb (used with object)

1. to adorn with or as with festoons.

   to festoon a hall.

2. to form into festoons.

   to festoon flowers and leaves.

3. Dentistry. to reproduce natural gum patterns around the teeth or a denture.

4. to connect by festoons.

festoon British  

/ fɛˈstuːn /

noun

1. a decorative chain of flowers, ribbons, etc, suspended in loops; garland

2. a carved or painted representation of this, as in architecture, furniture, or pottery

3. 1. the scalloped appearance of the gums where they meet the teeth

   2. a design carved on the base material of a denture to simulate this

4. 1. either of two Zerynthia species of white pierid butterfly of southern Europe, typically mottled red, yellow, and brown

   2. an ochreous brown moth, Apoda avellana the unusual sluglike larvae of which feed on oak leaves

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verb

1. to decorate or join together with festoons

2. to form into festoons

Other Word Forms

• unfestooned adjective

Etymology

Origin of festoon

1670–80; < French feston < Italian festone decoration for a feast, derivative of festa festa

Example Sentences

One Christmas night, as we drove him back to Fall River from the family party, he gazed out the car window at the festooned Joseph P. Kennedy before suddenly turning away and shaking his head.

From Salon

Every March 27 he oversees a parade of troops and materiel in the capital Naypyidaw for Armed Forces Day, standing on an open-top jeep and festooned with his many military and civilian awards.

From Barron's

The working class La Villa neighborhood of Mexico City where the basilica is located fills with trucks festooned with with wreaths and Christmas lights and hordes of pilgrims camping in the streets.

From Los Angeles Times

Green festooned his post with lots of hand-waving and magic asterisks to accommodate changes in American lifestyles over the ensuing six decades and come up with his $140,000 standard.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, Sotheby’s galleries are festooned with more than 1,200 new spotlights that can shine on art depending on how pieces look best.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adorn
• deck
• drape
• hang
• swag
• trim