vi·gnette / vinˈyet/ • n. 1. a brief evocative description, account, or episode. 2. a small illustration or portrait photograph that fades into its background without a definite border. ∎  a small ornamental design filling a space in a book or carving, typically based on foliage.• v. [tr.] portray (someone) in the style of a vignette. ∎  produce (a photograph) in the style of a vignette by softening or shading away the edges of the subject.DERIVATIVES: vi·gnet·tist / -ˈyetist/ n.

vignette, vinette.
1. See trail.

2. Low ornamental metal railing on a window-cill or balconet, to prevent flower-pots, etc., from falling.

vignette ornamental design on a blank space in a book XVIII; photograph of head (and shoulders) XIX. — (O)F., dim. of vigne VINE; see -ETTE.