(French: “cutting”). The technique of cutting out designs or illustrations from paper, foil, fabric, or other materials, mounting them on a surface, and sealing them by applying several coats of transparent finish, such as lacquer or varnish. Pronunciation here. See also: silhouette.

The Adoration of the Magi. Découpage. Ca. 1770–1790. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York.