French word

caraïbe

Pronunciation

IPA/kaʁaib/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)Caribbean

Example

Nous partons aux Caraïbes cet été.

We are leaving for the Caribbean this summer.

Illustration for caraïbe (Caribbean)

More examples

Elle a grandi dans les Caraïbes.

She grew up in the Caribbean.

Core concept

A scattered chain of islands linked by the surrounding Caribbean waters.

Common phrases

  • aux Caraïbes

    to the Caribbean

  • dans les Caraïbes

    in the Caribbean

  • les Caraïbes

    the Caribbean

Similar words

Caraïbes: The island region located in the Caribbean Sea.
mer des Caraïbes: The body of water known as the Caribbean Sea.
Antilles: A collective name for the islands in the western Caribbean.

Definition in French

Se réfère aux îles et aux zones maritimes bordant la mer des Caraïbes; le mot est fréquemment employé au pluriel (les Caraïbes).

Word origin

French caraïbe was transmitted through Spanish Caribe, originally naming the Carib people before extending to their wider geographical region.

Usage tips

  • The related adjective is caribéen or caribéenne, whereas les Caraïbes is the noun naming the region.

Related words

  • caribéenCaribbeanadjective
  • caribéenCaribbean personnoun

Word lists with this word