bric-a-brac

Or bric-à-brac

[brik-uh-brak]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.

bric-a-brac

/ ˈbrɪkəˌbræk /

noun

1. miscellaneous small objects, esp furniture and curios, kept because they are ornamental or rare

Word History and Origins

Origin of bric-a-brac¹

1830–40; < French, Middle French: literally, at random, without rhyme or reason; gradational compound from elements of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bric-a-brac¹

C19: from French; phrase based on bric piece

Example Sentences

Among the bric-a-brac are a hosiery stock card, old negatives and a birthday letter.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Redden, who specialized in rare manuscripts, collectibles, memorabilia and celebrity bric-a-brac — and also in generating excitement around such objects, turning auctions into high entertainment — died on May 11 at his home in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.

From New York Times

It is a realistic, down-to-earth police procedural that’s swarming with supernatural beings and lots of storytelling bric-a-brac.

From New York Times

Essentially, he adds, “I did a ton of schooling to return to what I was doing as a kid, burning my Transformers and making new materials out of the quotidian bric-a-brac in front of me.”

From Los Angeles Times

The company’s multimedia collages, often blending canonical treasures with campy bric-a-brac, have worked to undo entrenched assumptions of theatrical perception.

From Los Angeles Times