Word
marcel
Phoneticsmar·cel
US/mɑɹˈsɛɫ/
UK/mɑːsˈɛl/
Definitions
01a hairstyle
n. a hairstyle with deep, regular waves made with a hot curling iron.
n. a hairstyle characterized by deep, uniform waves created with a heated curling iron, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“The actress wore her hair in a classic marcel for the period movie.”
“The salon specialized in vintage aesthetics, offering authentic marcels to clients seeking a 1920s flapper appearance.”
Archaic
Usage
Often used as 'marcel wave'.
Teaching tip
This term is largely historical; modern speakers would likely use 'vintage waves' or 'finger waves' unless discussing hair history.
Synonyms
02to wave hair
v. to style hair into deep waves using a special iron.
v. to produce deep, regular waves in the hair using the marcel technique. Transitive — takes a direct object.
“She had her hair marcelled for the fancy costume party.”
“The stylist carefully marcelled the model's bob to achieve the precise geometric look required for the historical fashion shoot.”
Archaic
Usage
Usually appears in the past participle form 'marcelled'.
Teaching tip
The verb form is extremely rare in modern English outside of specialized historical or cosmetology contexts.
Antonyms
Etymology
Borrowed from French Marcel, from Latin Marcellus, diminutive of Marcus. Doublet of Marcellus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.