Skip to main content
gallimaufry

gallimaufry

1 9.9
A mixed collection of different things
  • noun
  • /ˌɡælɪˈmɔːfri/
  • Archaic
: mezcolanza
  • But he often serves simply as a broker amid the gallimaufry of the 25 member states' legal codes.

Examples

  • At the flea market, I found a gallimaufry of antiques, from old clocks to vintage toys.

  • But America's gallimaufry wasn't knuckling under to the gentry this time.

    Blog text (33)
  • @PeterSokolowsi of Merriam-Webster reports on Twitter that gallimaufry is, at this moment, the most looked-up word on the company's website.

    Blog text (33)
  • Mine is nothing like Hamlet's grand and gory gallimaufry, except for accidental judgments, casual slaughters, and purposes mistook.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The artist's studio was filled with a gallimaufry of colors, paints, and brushes scattered everywhere.

  • The cookbook includes a gallimaufry of recipes from various cuisines, making it a delight for any food lover.

Synonyms

assortment
vsgallimaufry
46 3.5

A collection of different things, like books or food

is more eccentric and colourful than a simple grouped selection
jumble
vsgallimaufry
23 4.6

A confused mixture of things or ideas

puts stronger emphasis on motley variety rather than mere disorder
hodgepodge
vsgallimaufry
11 7.3

A messy mixture of different things thrown together

is more striking and older sounding than simple jumble
odds and ends
vsgallimaufry
  • Informal
11 2.8

Small leftover things that you keep, like old keys or bits of paper

is broader, capturing a full motley assortment rather than scraps
mishmash
vsgallimaufry
5 6.4

A confused mix of different things

is more colourful and slightly more literary in feel
melange
vsgallimaufry
3 8.2

A mixture of different things, often very varied and unexpected

reads as more playful and less formal in usage
miscellany
vsgallimaufry
  • Literature
1 7.9

A group of different small things like papers or photos

is more playful and not limited to written collections
farrago
vsgallimaufry
  • Formal
1 9.9

A confused mix of different things that do not fit together

emphasizes a more colourful, motley sense rather than simple mix
hotchpotch
vsgallimaufry
  • UK
1 8.7

A messy mixture of different things that do not fit together

is broader, stressing variety rather than poor matching
miscellanea
vsgallimaufry
  • Literature
1 9.1

A collection of different pieces of writing or small items

is broader and more informal beyond literary compilations
ragbag
vsgallimaufry
1 7.1

A collection of different, unrelated items

is more whimsical and archaic in its flavour
rag bag
vsgallimaufry
  • UK
1 7.1

A messy mix of things that do not belong together

carries a more colourful, slightly antiquated sense
mingle-mangle
vsgallimaufry
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A confused mix of different things like old toys and books

is more colourful and slightly archaic in attitude
omnium-gatherum
vsgallimaufry
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A mixed collection of different things, like photos and receipts

is more playful and old fashioned in tone
oddments
vsgallimaufry
8.2

Small leftover pieces from things like buttons or fabric

is a wider mixed collection, not limited to leftovers
salpicon
vsgallimaufry
9.9

A mixed collection of different things, like essays, photos, or objects

is more colloquial and playful in everyday use

Compounds

A mixed collection of tastes from many places

How Mixed

hodgepodge
11 7.3
to jumble
6 3.8
gallimaufry
  • Archaic
1 9.9
mixture
1 1.2
assortment
46 3.5
collection
918 1.4

Surface Forms

gallimaufry singular
gallimaufries plural

Etymology

Gallimaufry comes from an old French word galimafrée that meant 'a messy stew' or a jumble of food. Think of a bowl of different leftovers mixed together, so gallimaufry now means a confused or mixed collection of things.