papier mâché

A child makes a papier mâché bowl in art class.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • A lightweight, moldable material: "papier mâché" is a composite material made from pieces of paper or pulp mixed with a binding agent such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste. It is used for creating sculptures, masks, and decorative objects.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The children made a piñata out of papier mâché for the party. (They used paper and glue to create a hollow, lightweight shape.)
  • She crafted a detailed mask using papier mâché for the costume contest. (She molded paper pulp into a wearable form.)

Advanced Usage

• "papier mâché technique": the method of layering paper strips with adhesive to build up a form.

  • Learning the papier mâché technique requires patience to achieve a smooth surface. (The process of applying paper and glue in layers.)

• "papier mâché sculpture": a three-dimensional artwork created using this material.

  • The museum displayed a giant papier mâché sculpture of a dragon. (A large, lightweight figure made from paper and adhesive.)

Variants and Related Words

• Papier-mâché (noun, alternative spelling): same as "papier mâché," often hyphenated.
  • He prefers working with papier-mâché for quick art projects. (He uses the same paper-pulp material.)
• Papier-mâché-like (adjective): resembling the texture or properties of this material.
  • The ceiling had a papier-mâché-like finish from years of paint buildup. (It looked and felt similar to the paper-based compound.)

Synonyms

• Paper pulp: the soft, wet mixture of paper fibers used as a base for papier mâché.
• Paper clay: a moldable material made from paper fibers and clay, similar in use but more durable.

Related Idioms

• "Like papier mâché": used to describe something fragile, lightweight, or easily broken.
  • The old book's pages felt like papier mâché, crumbling at the touch. (The pages were as delicate and brittle as the paper material.)