What does brochure mean?
A brochure is a small, usually paper booklet or folded pamphlet that presents information about a product, service, destination, or organization, frequently for promotional purposes. Travel agencies, hotels, universities, and businesses of every kind distribute brochures to inform prospective customers or visitors, and the word has become strongly associated with marketing and tourism, as in 'travel brochure' or 'glossy brochure.' The term comes from the French verb brocher, meaning to stitch or sew, a reminder that these slim publications were originally bound by hand like miniature books. In modern usage a brochure may be printed or digital, though the printed form remains the classic image the word evokes. Neutral in tone and standard throughout the English-speaking world, 'brochure' is an essential vocabulary item for anyone describing advertising materials, informational handouts, or visitor literature.
nounA small book or pamphlet, often illustrated, containing information or advertising material about a product, service, place, or organization.
- A small illustrated booklet or pamphlet providing information about, or advertising, a product, service, event, or place.
"The travel agency handed us a glossy brochure full of photographs of Mediterranean resorts."
"Visitors can pick up a free brochure at the museum's information desk."
"The company redesigned its sales brochure to appeal to younger customers."
Standard plural formed with -s. In British English the plural is pronounced identically to the singular (/ˈbrəʊʃəz/); in American English the final consonant is audible (/ˈbroʊʃərz/).
"The rack near the entrance held brochures for dozens of local attractions."
The word 'brochure' literally means something that has been stitched — it comes from the French verb brocher, 'to sew together,' because early booklets were bound with thread like tiny books.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of brochure
The English word brochure was borrowed directly from French, where it originally denoted a small stitched work or booklet. It derives from the verb brocher, 'to stitch or sew,' which in turn comes from broche, a pointed tool such as a spit or awl, ultimately traceable to Late Latin brocca. English words sharing this lineage include broach and brooch, both referring to piercing or fastening objects, and the culinary borrowing brochette, a small skewer.
How brochure is actually used
The word carries a mildly commercial or promotional connotation in everyday use, since most brochures advertise something, but it is neutral in register and appears freely in both formal and informal contexts. The plural is pronounced the same as the singular in British English (/ˈbrəʊʃəz/) but distinctly as /ˈbroʊʃərz/ in American English.
Easily confused with brochure
A brochure is an informational booklet, while a brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry pinned to clothing; the two words share a common root but differ in both spelling and meaning.