What does lorgnette mean?
A lorgnette is a small pair of eyeglasses with a handle that is held up to the eye, or a handheld magnifying glass used for examining tiny objects. Historically, lorgnettes were associated with theatergoers, opera audiences, and people watching distant events, and the word still suggests elegance, cultivated taste, and a slightly old-fashioned social setting. The term can also describe a magnifying glass, especially one used in jewelry, coin collecting, or other detailed work. It is more frequently encountered in British English than in American English, but remains widely understood. Compared with a monocle, which covers only one eye and is worn, a lorgnette is held by the user. Unlike pince-nez, which clip onto the nose, a lorgnette has a handle. The word is consequently useful not only for its literal definition but also for the refined cultural image it evokes.
nounA small pair of eyeglasses with a single handle, held up to the eye and traditionally associated with examining distant objects or viewing performances. The word also denotes a handheld magnifying glass used for viewing small objects.
- A small pair of eyeglasses with a handle, held up to the eye.
- A handheld magnifying glass for examining small objects.
"She lifted the lorgnette to examine the tiny details of the painting."
"The opera singer watched the audience through her lorgnette."
"He used a lorgnette to inspect the lettering on the antique coin."
The plural is lorgnettes, with the final -e retained.
"Several ornate lorgnettes were displayed in the theatre museum."
A lorgnette turns a tiny piece of glass into a stylish instrument for seeing what is far away—or impossibly small.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lorgnette come from?
The English word comes from French lorgnette, a diminutive associated with lorgner, “to stare” or “to peer.” The French verb is generally traced to an Old French form and ultimately to a Germanic root meaning to look or stare. The suffix -ette in French traditionally marks a smaller or diminutive object, although the English meaning developed to include both handheld eyeglasses and magnifying glasses.
Related word forms
How lorgnette is actually used
The word is somewhat literary and carries a sense of elegance, refinement, or old-fashioned sophistication. It is more common in British English, though it is also understood in American English.
Easily confused with lorgnette
A monocle is a single lens worn in front of one eye, whereas a lorgnette is a small pair of eyeglasses held to the eye by a handle.
Pince-nez have a spring clip that grips the bridge of the nose, while a lorgnette is held by a handle.