French Conversation · Level 129
42 words
French word
bourdonnement
Pronunciation
IPA/buʁdɔnəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounbuzzing
Example
J'entends un bourdonnement dans la cuisine.
I hear a buzzing in the kitchen.
More examples
Le bourdonnement des moteurs m'empêche de dormir.
The buzzing of the engines keeps me from sleeping.
Core concept
A muted hum with no clear beginning or end, coming from a source nearby or from the ear itself.
Common phrases
bourdonnement dans les oreilles
buzzing in the ears
bourdonnement d'abeilles
buzzing of bees
bourdonnement de fond
background hum
Similar words
bruit: Various sounds or background noises heard nearby.
vrombissement: A low, prolonged rumble accompanied by vibration.
ronronnement: A soft, low, continuous purring sound.
bourdon: A low, sustained buzzing sound made by wings.
Definition in French
Le bourdonnement est un son continu, bas et vibrant, produit par des insectes, des machines ou perçu dans l'oreille.
Word origin
The noun bourdonnement is derived from bourdonner by adding -ment, while bourdonner is linked to Old French bourdon, a low continuous sound.
Usage tips
- In bourdonnement dans les oreilles, the phrase describes buzzing or ringing perceived in the ears, not a sound produced by an outside object.
Other meanings
- ringing in the earsnoun
- dronenoun
- hummingnoun
Opposites
- silencesilencenoun
Related words
- bourdonnerbuzzverb
- bourdonnantbuzzingadjective