What does trousseaux mean?
A trousseau is a collection of clothing, jewelry, linens, and other belongings associated with a bride and her wedding preparations. In traditional usage, relatives and friends might contribute pieces of silver, china, linen, or other useful household objects to the collection. The word often carries a sense of ceremony, family involvement, and anticipation, although it can also be used more generally for a bride's personal possessions. “Trousseaux” is the usual plural form, while “trousseau” is singular. The expression is especially associated with British and American wedding customs, including bridal showers, trousseau showers, and the presentation of gifts before marriage. Although originally concerned with practical household goods, modern references to a trousseau may include clothing, accessories, and items associated with the couple's new life together.
nounA collection of clothing, jewelry, and other possessions assembled for a bride, traditionally given or prepared as part of her wedding gifts.
- A collection of clothes, jewelry, linens, and other possessions given to or prepared for a bride, especially before her marriage.
"Her mother helped her choose the linens and silver for her trousseau."
"The bride's sisters helped pack her trousseau with linens, china, and silver."
"The magazine offered advice on choosing an elegant trousseau for a traditional wedding."
The word is normally plural; the singular is “trousseau.”
"The shop specializes in traditional trousseaux for newlyweds."
A trousseau was once a bride's worldly goods gathered into one bundle, turning wedding preparations into a beautiful act of anticipation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trousseaux come from?
The word comes from French trousseau, originally a diminutive of trousse, meaning a bundle or bundle of belongings. The French word is associated with trousser, “to clothe” or “equip,” and the English sense developed through the bridal and wedding context. The related roots also appear in words such as trousse and trouser.
Related word forms
How trousseaux is actually used
The word is primarily associated with weddings and traditional bridal gift-giving. It is often used with a slightly formal or traditional tone and may also refer more broadly to a bride's collection of possessions.
Easily confused with trousseaux
Trousseau is the singular form, while trousseaux is the plural form.