festoon

[ fe-stoon ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to decorate or join together with festoons
2. to form into festoons

Other Words From

• unfes·tooned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of festoon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of festoon¹

C17: from French feston , from Italian festone ornament for a feast, from festa feast

Example Sentences

These form one of the many island groups that hang like a fringe or festoon on the skirt of the continent of Asia.

From Project Gutenberg

Between the posts hung a festoon of signalling flags, long pointed strips of bunting with red balls or blue on them.

From Project Gutenberg

For decoration use autumnal grasses, wheat, oats and corn, and festoon strings of them wherever possible.

From Project Gutenberg

Bank the fire-place and corners with boughs of autumn leaves, and festoon them in garlands wherever there is a vacant place.

From Project Gutenberg

"But I am not a fortune-teller," he said, letting his head drop into a festoon of towel, and towelling away at his two ears.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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