French word

butiner

Pronunciation

IPA/bytine/

Meaning

  • verbbrowse

Example

Il aime butiner dans les magasins le dimanche.

He likes browsing in stores on Sundays.

Illustration for butiner (browse)

More examples

On aime butiner de boutique en boutique pour comparer les prix.

We like browsing from store to store to compare prices.

Core concept

A bee-like route from place to place, taking a little from each stop instead of settling on one.

Common phrases

  • butiner de boutique en boutique

    browse from store to store

  • butiner dans les rayons

    browse the aisles

  • butiner parmi les livres

    browse among the books

Similar words

flâner: Stroll without purpose through streets or shops while passing the time.
papillonner: Jump restlessly between different interests or activities.
feuilleter: Skim a book or magazine by turning its pages.
fureter: Look around in detail for objects or useful information.

Definition in French

Aller de lieu en lieu pour prendre ou goûter un peu de choses différentes sans se fixer sur une seule option.

Word origin

Butiner is formed from French butin, meaning loot or spoils, with the verb suffix -er, and its collecting sense developed into the image of a bee gathering from flowers.

Usage tips

  • Butiner dans les magasins means browsing from shop to shop and sampling options, not simply shopping in one store.

Other meanings

  • forageverb
  • nibbleverb

Opposites

  • s'installersettle inverb
  • se fixersettle downverb

Word lists with this word