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Synonyms

filigree

American  
[fil-i-gree] / ˈfɪl ɪˌgri /
Rarely filagree,

noun

  1. delicate ornamental work of fine silver, gold, or other metal wires, especially lacy jewelers' work of scrolls and arabesques.

  2. anything very delicate or fanciful.

    a filigree of frost.


adjective

  1. composed of or resembling filigree.

verb (used with object)

filigreed, filigreeing
  1. to adorn with or form into filigree.

filigree British  
/ ˈfɪlɪˌɡriː /

noun

  1. delicate ornamental work of twisted gold, silver, or other wire

  2. any fanciful delicate ornamentation

"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

adjective

  1. made of or as if with filigree

"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

verb

  1. (tr) to decorate with or as if with filigree

"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

Other Word Forms

  • filigreed adjective

Etymology

Origin of filigree

First recorded in 1685–95; earlier filigreen, variant of filigrain

Explanation

Ancient handmade jewelry is often known for its filigree, which is a noun describing delicate ornamental work made of some type of metal. Filigree comes from the Latin word for thread. Usually the strands of silver, gold, or wire used for this type of ornamentation is so fine, it appears almost like thin threads wound together. It wouldn’t be a bad find to stumble on a chest full of gold filigree-framed items in your grandmother’s attic, especially if she wanted you to keep them! The word can also be used as a verb to describe the act of making filigree.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing filigree

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Inside a converted chocolate factory outside of Milan, a master goldsmith sat at a workstation, shaping a strip of metal into filigree so fine it resembled lace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

For all the political filigree, “The Regime” boils down to a love story of sorts between Elena and Herbert, and the stripped gears of their shifting power dynamic.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2024

Your eye is drawn to the dazzling, filigree lace around the neck of the young woman.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2023

These garments, with elaborate filigree around the holes for Khan’s head, are exemplary of the Maria & Alberto de la Cruz Gallery show.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023

Lost: Silver cross on filigree chain, topaz pin and earrings, gold-filled cuff links.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin