Definition

1. Noun:

   • A decorative design or piece of fabric that is sewn or attached onto a larger piece of material to create an ornament or pattern.

2. Verb:

   • To sew or attach a decorative piece of fabric or material onto a larger surface as an ornament.

Usage

• Noun: Used to refer to the decorative piece itself or the technique of applying it.
• Verb: Used to describe the action of attaching such a decoration. It is often used in the passive voice (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The quilt was beautiful, with an intricate floral applique on each square.
  • She learned the art of applique from her grandmother.
• Verb:
  • She decided to applique a star onto the baby's blanket.
  • The designer appliquéd velvet leaves onto the evening gown.
  • The jacket was beautifully appliquéd with silk flowers.

Advanced Usage

• As an adjective: The past participle "appliquéd" is commonly used as an adjective to describe an item decorated with appliqué.
  • She wore an appliquéd dress to the party.
• In art and craft contexts: The term is used broadly for similar techniques beyond fabric, such as applying cut-out paper or metal onto a surface.

Variants and Related Words

• Appliquéd (adj.): Describing something that has been decorated with appliqué.
• Appliquéing (v., gerund/present participle): The act of applying appliqué.

Synonyms

• Noun: ornament, decoration, embellishment, patchwork.
• Verb: sew on, attach, embellish, ornament.

Antonyms

• Verb: remove, detach, strip.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (To be) done in appliqué: Describes a piece made using the appliqué technique.
  • The banner was done in colorful appliqué.

Noun

1. a decorative design made of one material sewn over another

Verb

1. sew on as a decoration