vernissage

art gallery opening, varnishing day

noun vehr-nee-SAHZH Rare

Origin: from vernir 'to varnish'

Usage Note

Vernissage originally referred to the day before a public exhibition when painters could varnish their canvases; it now means any private preview or opening night of an art show. The word has been adopted into English in the art world. An invitation au vernissage is considered a mark of insider status.

Examples

"Nous sommes invités au vernissage ce soir."

Natural Translation

We are invited to the gallery opening tonight.

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