Valenciennes

American  

[vuh-len-see-enz, va-lahn-syen] / vəˌlɛn siˈɛnz, va lɑ̃ˈsyɛn /

noun

1. a city in N France, SE of Lille.

2. Also called Val.  Also called Valenciennes lace,.  Also called Val lace.  Textiles.

   1. a flat bobbin lace of linen, worked in one piece with the same thread forming the ground and the motif.

   2. a cotton imitation of it.

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Valenciennes ¹ British  

/ ˌvælənsɪˈɛn /

noun

1. a flat bobbin lace typically having scroll and floral designs and originally made of linen, now often cotton

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Valenciennes ² British  

/ valɑ̃sjɛn /

noun

1. a town in N France, on the River Escaut: a coal-mining and heavy industrial centre. Pop: 41 278 (1999)

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Etymology

Origin of Valenciennes

1710–20, Valenciennes for def. 2

Example Sentences

For instance, in May 2024 supporters of fellow French club Troyes, part of the City Football Group, protested by throwing flares on to the pitch and getting a match against Valenciennes abandoned.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

A general view of the 585 megawatt EDF gas-fired power plant in Bouchain, near Valenciennes, France, July 7, 2022.

From Reuters • Jul. 10, 2022

On the cusp of the season, the Galaxy made one more splash signing French winger Kévin Cabral from Valenciennes FC in France’s Ligue 2 to a young designated player contract.

From Washington Times • Apr. 13, 2021

But with Valenciennes stuck in the middle of the Ligue 2 standings, in little danger of relegation but with little chance of promotion, the team decided to sell him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2021

My dress hadn't come from Paris, so I wore white, trimmed with Valenciennes; I thought a little of wearing a tiny tricolour bow, but didn't after all.

From Letters of a Diplomat's Wife 1883-1900 by Waddington, Mary King