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

This week, though, the church was festooned inside and out with red, white, and blue and “Freedom 250” signage coupled with some don’t-mess-with looking eagles.

From Barron's

Right now, the biggest showstopper is arguably a trophy-like wall festooned with 400 dire wolf skulls.

From The Wall Street Journal

At a cafe in central Rabat festooned with Moroccan flags, the loss came as a major blow.

From Barron's

Aunt Kitty was doing her proud walking, like she was balancing the crown of Queen Victoria herself on her head instead of that black hat festooned with crab apples.

From Literature

Since early Thursday, BNP backers started gathering in the capital, plastering the streets with banners and festoons bearing images of Rahman.

From Barron's

Related Words

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