: a glass or plastic cover used to protect small outdoor plants from frost
also: a similar cover used indoors to display or protect ornamental objects
b
: a cover (as of metal or ceramic) placed over food during preparation or serving
2
: a woman's close-fitting hat usually with deep rounded crown and narrow brim
Did you know?
Does the meaning of cloche ring a bell?
The word cloche refers to very different things but the connection between them is apparent in the word's meaning: cloche is French for "bell," and both the gardening cloche and the hat cloche are typically shaped like the archetypal bell. The gourmands among you may be aware of another kind of cloche as well. Covered in our unabridged dictionary, Webster's Third New International, cloche also refers to a bell-shaped cover placed over food in cooking or serving. The French word cloche comes from Medieval Latin clocca, which is also the source of the words "cloak" and "clock."
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebTo retain the fragrance, the dish is presented from beneath a cloche at the table, a nice little ta-da moment. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2022 The drink gets placed under a glass cloche while the bartender lights a small tinder pile of applewood chips. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2022 Hot-glue each insect to a length of fishing line and use invisible tape to attach the opposite end of the filament to the inside of the cloche. Lacey Howard And Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2021 Suspend them beneath a glass cloche on the bottom shelf of the bar cart. Lacey Howard And Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2021 Shot in beautiful black-and-white cinematography and wearing cloche hats, Tessa Thompson plays the knowing Irene Redfield, who is shaken by her friend’s lifestyle. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2021 No tasting menu, no waiting list, ingredients aren’t revealed from under a smoking cloche. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 14 Sep. 2021 For a bit of farmhouse style, check out the Stonebriar cloche set, which is currently $33 off the original price, for a stylish accent that pairs well with candles or small plants. Sanah Faroke, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2021 Also quite creative, taking the feathers from the chicken coop and making a cloche for his dear ol’ mom. Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, 17 May 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
French, literally, bell, from Medieval Latin clocca