bric-à-brac

A collector carefully arranges the bric-à-brac on a wooden shelf.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • Decorative objects: "bric-à-brac" refers to miscellaneous small objects, often old, rare, or unusual, used for decoration in a home. These items are typically collected for their artistic or historical interest rather than practical use.

Usage Examples

• (She placed old decorative objects collected during her journeys.)
• (The store offers miscellaneous decorative items of artistic value.)

Advanced Usage

• "to collect bric-à-brac": to gather small decorative objects as a hobby.

  • He enjoys collecting bric-à-brac from flea markets. (He likes finding and keeping unusual decorative items.)

• "bric-à-brac shelf": a shelf specifically used to display such objects.

  • The bric-à-brac shelf in the living room holds many curiosities. (The shelf displays various decorative oddities.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bric-à-brac (n): no common variants; the word is typically used as a single term.

Synonyms

• Curios: unusual or rare objects valued for their interest.
  • The museum displayed a collection of curios. (Unusual objects of interest.)
• Knick-knacks: small decorative objects, often inexpensive.
  • She keeps her knick-knacks on the mantelpiece. (Small decorative items.)
• Ornaments: decorative objects used to adorn a space.
  • The tree was covered with ornaments. (Decorative items.)

Phrasal Verbs

• None commonly associated with "bric-à-brac" as a noun.

Related Idioms

• None directly involving "bric-à-brac" as a fixed phrase.