Bric-a-brac
Noun
- Miscellaneous objects and ornaments of little value.
Example Sentences
“I love browsing through the bric-a-brac at flea markets on weekends.”
“We need to clear out some of this bric-a-brac before we move to the new apartment.”
“The antique store’s window display was a carefully arranged collection of bric-a-brac.”
Word Origin
French, mid-19th century
Why this word?
Even if we didn’t share the definition of this playful word, you might be able to figure it out from the sound and context clues. “Bric-a-brac,” used as either a noun or an adjective, applies to miscellaneous objects, ornaments, and trinkets. These are often of low monetary value, but they might have great sentimental value as a piece of bric-a-brac could be a souvenir from a bucket list vacation, or a remembrance of a cherished loved one. Synonyms for “bric-a-brac” include “tchotchkes,” “knickknacks,” “gewgaws,” “gimcracks, “bits and bobs,” “sundries,” and “miscellany.”
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