Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A long, very narrow loaf of French bread.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • Resembling packthread or string (in color): as, ficelle lace.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[French, twine, packthread, ficelle, probably from Vulgar Latin *fīlicella, diminutive of Latin fīlum, thread; see gwhī- in Indo-European roots.]

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Examples

  • We were never certain whether or when the last frayed ends of that fragile ficelle* would snap, and the uncertainty was our own threatening noose, one we wore along with the constant knot of anxiety in our throats.

    French Destinations 2010

  • Cut the baguette or ficelle crosswise into thin slices and toast lightly.

    Groundwork: Fava knows best 2010

  • Here the list included, among other things, a 36-ounce container of Jasmati long-grain white rice, Eli Zabar ficelle bread (bought at the end of the day, so almost day-old), fresh figs, haricots verts, six balls of freshly made mozzarella, and several cans of Le Seur baby peas.

    Patricia Yarberry Allen: Made Here, Served 600 Miles Away: The Highland Games Dinner 2010

  • We were never certain whether or when the last frayed ends of that fragile ficelle* would snap, and the uncertainty was our own threatening noose, one we wore along with the constant knot of anxiety in our throats.

    bapteme - French Word-A-Day 2008

  • We were never certain whether or when the last frayed ends of that fragile ficelle*

    French Destinations 2010

  • Sliced the day-old Eli Zabar ficelle bread very thinly, then brushed mixture of extra virgin olive oil and a tiny amount of crushed garlic on each piece, into oven preheated to 250 degrees.

    Patricia Yarberry Allen: Made Here, Served 600 Miles Away: The Highland Games Dinner 2010

  • Two Camparis, a ficelle, a bowl of green olives, and a wedge of prima caciotta sat on a tray on a round table.

    Georgia’s Kitchen Jenny Nelson 2010

  • When Uncle Jean-Claude said, “Pass the ficelle,” at breakfast the next day I automatically searched the table for a string.

    Words in a French Life Kristin Espinasse 2007

  • More and more often I will use part of the dough when I am making bread to form into a ficelle just so I can make crostini.

    Archive 2006-08-01 2006

  • Plain - Slice a ficelle or baguette and brush or spray both sides with olive oil.

    Archive 2006-08-01 2006

Comments

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  • Mon Dieu! According to this site it is a particularly long & thin type of baguette. I've often enjoyed a nice "heat at home" ficelle with brie cheese from Trader Joe's.

    July 2, 2008