noun

filigree

FIL-ih-gree

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Filigree (noun) means Delicate, intricate ornamental work made from fine twisted wire, usually of gold, silver or platinum. Example: “The brooch was edged with silver filigree.”

noun

Delicate, intricate ornamental work made from fine twisted wire, usually of gold, silver or platinum.

"The brooch was edged with silver filigree."

"She admired the filigree on the antique ring in the museum case."

"The jeweller spent weeks shaping the gold filigree by hand."

Any pattern or structure resembling this kind of delicate, intricate ornamentation.

"Frost had left a filigree of ice across the window pane."

"The old gate was cast in an iron filigree of leaves and vines."

verb

To decorate something with intricate ornamentation made from twisted gold or silver wire.

"The craftsman filigreed the box lid with silver thread."

"She learned how to filigree small pendants during her apprenticeship."

How to use filigree

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFiligree is fine, lacy metalwork made from twisted wire, or any pattern that looks like it.

When to use it

The word appears mainly in descriptions of jewellery, craftwork and decorative design.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the first syllable, fil, and the ending rhymes with 'free'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

silver filigree gold filigree intricate filigree filigree work

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The brooch was edged with silver _____.

Etymology

Filigree passed into English from French, which took it from Italian, and the trail leads back further to two Latin words, one meaning thread and the other meaning grain. Together they capture the look of fine twisted wire studded with tiny bead-like details.

Origin: French

Rhymes for filigree

ee see bee wee nee pee fee tee zee gee vee ree

See all rhymes for filigree →

Frequently asked questions

What does filigree mean?

Filigree is delicate ornamental work made from fine twisted wire, typically gold or silver, or anything patterned to look like it.

What metals are used in filigree?

Filigree work is traditionally made from platinum, gold or silver wire, though other metals are sometimes used.

Can filigree be used as a verb?

Yes, to filigree something means to decorate it with this kind of fine, twisted-wire ornamentation.

What is the meaning of filigree?

"filigree" (noun) means delicate, intricate ornamental work made from fine twisted wire, usually of gold, silver or platinum.