WordGarden.ioapplique
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /əˈpliː.keɪ/
US
- /ˈæ.plɪ.keɪ/countableuncountablenoun
Meanings
Noun
decorative needlework or a decoration made by attaching pieces of fabric or other material to a surface
Verb
to decorate by attaching pieces of fabric or other material to a surface
Beyond the definition
An appliqué (often written applique) is a decorative element attached to another surface — usually fabric — to create a design or embellishment. Imagine a flower-shaped piece of cloth sewn onto a jacket or a patterned patch added to a quilt: that's an appliqué.
The word comes from French and literally suggests something that has been "applied" or placed on something else. Designers use applique to add texture, contrast, or visual interest. You might hear about lace applique on a wedding dress, embroidered applique on cushions, or fabric applique in quilting. In some contexts, especially in interior design influenced by French terminology, an applique can also refer to a wall-mounted decorative element or light fixture.
Applique (also spelled appliqué) refers primarily to a decorative technique in textiles where one material is attached to another to create patterns, images, or ornamental effects. For example: "The designer used floral applique to add depth to the gown," or "Traditional quilts often feature intricate applique patterns." Unlike embroidery, where decoration is stitched directly into the fabric, applique involves adding a separate piece on top, giving a layered, dimensional look.
In fashion and craft contexts, applique is associated with sewing, quilting, costume design, and decorative arts. It may be made from fabric, leather, lace, or even synthetic materials. The technique can range from simple patches to highly detailed artistic compositions.
The word can also describe the decorative piece itself, not just the technique: "Gold appliques adorned the costume," meaning the attached decorations were called appliques.
Less commonly, especially in architecture and interior design influenced by French usage, applique may refer to a decorative wall-mounted element, often a light fixture similar to a wall sconce.
Spelling varies: the original French form is appliqué (with an accent on the final e), while English often drops the accent and writes applique.
So whether you're discussing fashion design, handicrafts, historical costumes, or interior decoration, applique captures the idea of adding beauty by layering one element onto another.
Examples
- 1
Baby blanket
The baby's blanket has a little star applique in one corner.
- 2
Quilting
She makes quilts with flower appliques in bright, cheerful colors.
- 3
Craft class
In class, we learned how to applique a name onto a tote bag.
- Patternapplique + design/text onto + fabric
sew it on as a decoration
See also
Similar
- embellishment
- fabric patch
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- embroidery
- plain fabric
Used with (collocations)
- applique patch
- applique design
- sew on an applique
Word family
- appliqued
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- appliquenounverb