balconette
|bal-co-nette|
/ˌbæl.kəˈnɛt/
small balcony; shelf-like projection
Etymology
'balconette' originates from French, specifically the word 'balconette', a diminutive of 'balcon' (from Italian 'balcone'), where the suffix '-ette' denoted smallness and 'balcone' traces to a Germanic root meaning 'beam'.
'balconette' changed from the Italian word 'balcone' into French as 'balcon' with the diminutive suffix '-ette' to form 'balconette', and was later borrowed into English (notably for architectural use and, more recently, for a bra style) as 'balconette'.
Initially, it meant 'small balcony' or 'little projecting platform'; over time the term was extended in the 20th century to name a particular style of brassiere whose shape resembles a small balcony, giving the modern additional meaning 'balconette (bra)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small balcony or a shallow projecting platform with a railing, often attached to a building and not large enough to stand on comfortably.
The apartment had a tiny balconette overlooking the street.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a style of women's bra with low-cut cups and wide-set straps designed to create an uplifted, rounded appearance — often called a 'balconette bra' or 'balcony bra'.
She prefers a balconette for its flattering neckline under evening dresses.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 15:10