French word

caniculaire

Pronunciation

IPA/kanikylɛʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectivescorching

Example

Aujourd'hui, la météo prévoit une journée caniculaire.

Today, the weather forecast predicts a scorching day.

Illustration for caniculaire (scorching)

More examples

Pendant la période caniculaire, il faut boire beaucoup d'eau.

During the period of extreme heat, you need to drink plenty of water.

Core concept

A long, oppressive spell of heat that slows transport, work, and daily life.

Common phrases

  • période caniculaire

    period of extreme heat

  • journée caniculaire

    day of extreme heat

Similar words

chaud: Hot because of a high air temperature.
lourd: Oppressively humid, with air that feels heavy and uncomfortable.
suffocant: Stiflingly hot because of still or humid air.
torride: Burning hot under intense sun or extreme heat.

Definition in French

Qui caractérise une période de chaleur intense et durable qui perturbe le confort et le fonctionnement quotidien.

Word origin

Canicule comes from Latin canicula, meaning "little dog," a term associated with Sirius, and caniculaire is its adjective.

Usage tips

  • The adjective has one form for masculine and feminine singular: un épisode caniculaire and une période caniculaire; the plural is caniculaires.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word