French word

balai

Pronunciation

IPA/balɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbroom

Example

Il y a un balai dans le placard.

There is a broom in the cupboard.

Illustration for balai (broom)

More examples

J'ai pris le balai et la pelle pour nettoyer.

I took the broom and dustpan to clean.

Core concept

A simple handled bundle of bristles or twigs sweeps debris toward one place.

Common phrases

  • balai et pelle

    broom and dustpan

  • balai-brosse

    scrubbing brush

  • balai de sorcière

    witch's broom

Similar words

aspirateur: An electric appliance that sucks up dirt and dust from floors and carpets.
serpillière: A cloth or tool used with water or cleaner to wipe dirt from floors.
balayette: A small hand brush for sweeping crumbs and debris from tables and other small areas.
pelle: A flat tool used to collect swept-up debris from the floor.

Definition in French

Instrument ménager composé d'un manche et d'une brosse ou d'un faisceau de brindilles, servant à déplacer et à rassembler la saleté du sol pour la jeter.

Word origin

Balai is an Old French noun of uncertain ultimate origin, and the related verb balayer developed in French from the noun.

Usage tips

  • In balayer devant sa porte, literally sweeping before one's door, the sweeping image expresses dealing with one's own faults or affairs first.

Opposites

Related words

  • balayersweepverb
  • balayagesweepingnoun
  • balayeursweepernoun

Word lists with this word