trompe l'oeil
Say it: tromp LUH-y /ˌtrɒmp ˈlɔɪ/ · noun phrase
What “trompe l'oeil” means
Painting that tricks your eyes into seeing real objects.
More precisely: A painting technique creating the illusion that painted objects are real and three-dimensional.
When to use it
For painted details that appear convincingly three-dimensional, usually when discussing art, murals or decorative interiors.
Memory trick
French for deceives the eye: what looks real is actually paint on a flat surface.
Similar words
optical illusion, illusionism
Where it comes from
French, 'deceives the eye'.
Quick check
You reach for a door handle, then realise the whole door is painted on a flat wall. That's…
a collage or trompe l'oeil?
Show the answer
trompe l'oeil
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “trompe l'oeil”