miscellaneous small objects, esp furniture and curios, kept because they are ornamental or rare
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
bric-a-brac or bric-à-brac/ˈbrɪkəˌbræk/USA pronunciation
n.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- small articles collected for decoration;
knickknacks;
trinkets: [uncountable; used with a singular verb]She had bric-a-brac that was scattered all over the room.[countable* used as a plural with a plural verb]The bric-a-brac were lined up on shelves.
bric-a-brac
(brik′ə brak′),USA pronunciation n. (used with a sing. or pl. v.)
- miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.
- French, Middle French: literally, at random, without rhyme or reason; gradational compound from elements of obscure origin, originally
- 1830–40
- trinkets, gimcracks, knickknacks, baubles, gewgaws.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'bric-a-brac' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Victoriana
- bell jar
- frail
- fussy
- garage sale
- knickknack
- wall system
- whatnot
- white elephant
- étagère