English vocabulary · C1
Festoon
/fɛˈstuːn/ · n., v.
Festoon means to decorate with hanging chains of flowers, ribbons, lights, or cloth. They often curve across a large room, street, or stage.
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Example sentences
- They festooned the hall with bright paper stars.
- Lanterns festoon the street at dusk.
Word origin and roots
from French
- feston — festive ornament (from French)
Synonyms and nuances
- TRIM — add decoration along an edge (Finish The Edges)
- DRAPE — arrange cloth in loose folds (Hang Softly Down)
- ADORN — make something more beautiful (Add Beauty)
Similar words
- trim
- drape
- adorn
Lesson notes
Festoon means to decorate with hanging chains of flowers, ribbons, lights, or cloth. They often curve across a large room, street, or stage.
Related: trim, drape, adorn. Use festoon when decorations hang in chains.
They festooned the hall with bright paper stars. Lanterns festoon the street at dusk.
From French. Feston- means festive ornament. Flowers and ribbons hung in a curved chain became a festoon.