balconet
|bal-co-net|
/ˌbæl.kəˈnɛt/
small balcony; decorative low railing
Etymology
'balconet' originates from French, specifically the word 'balconnet', where the suffix '-et' meant 'small' or 'diminutive'.
'balconet' changed from French 'balconnet', which itself relates to French/Italian 'balcon'/'balcone' (meaning 'balcony'), ultimately traceable to a Germanic root such as Old High German 'balko' meaning 'beam', and eventually entered English as 'balconet'.
Initially, it meant 'little balcony' or 'small projecting platform'; over time the meaning has largely remained the same but extended metaphorically to name a style of bra ('balconet'/'balconette').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small projecting balcony or a decorative low railing placed in front of a window (often too shallow to step out onto); a diminutive form of 'balcony' used for an ornamental feature.
They opened the French windows and leaned on the balconet to watch the street below.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a style of women's bra (also called a 'balconette' bra) with wide-set straps and cups that produce a horizontal neckline and uplift.
She chose a balconet for the low-cut dress because it gave a flattering, uplifted shape.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 14:56