French word

barrette

Pronunciation

IPA/baʁɛt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhair clip

Example

J'ai perdu ma barrette.

I lost my hair clip.

Illustration for barrette (hair clip)

More examples

Elle a mis une barrette dans ses cheveux.

She put a hair clip in her hair.

Core concept

A compact hair fastener, either spring-loaded or flat, that combines holding hair in place with ornament.

Common phrases

  • barrette à cheveux

    hair clip

  • une barrette

    a hair clip

Similar words

épingle à cheveux: A slender metal pin inserted into the hair to secure it.
pince: A small clasp that grips and firmly holds part of the hair.
élastique: An elastic band used to tie hair together securely.
chouchou: A decorative fabric-covered elastic band for tying hair back.

Definition in French

Accessoire de coiffure, souvent plat ou à ressort, utilisé pour maintenir ou décorer une portion de cheveux.

Word origin

The word is a diminutive formation from French barre, a bar or rod, with -ette marking something smaller.

Usage tips

  • The common verb pattern is mettre une barrette, while porter une barrette describes having one in the hair.

Other meanings

  • fastenernoun
  • hair ornamentnoun

Word lists with this word