French word

carton

Pronunciation

IPA/kaʁtɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncardboard box

Example

J'ai besoin d'un carton pour déménager.

I need a cardboard box to move.

Illustration for carton (cardboard box)

More examples

Les cartons de déménagement sont prêts.

The moving boxes are ready.

Core concept

A thick layered-cardboard container for packing, storing, or moving things.

Common phrases

  • un carton de déménagement

    a moving box

  • boîte en carton

    a cardboard box

  • cartons vides

    empty cardboard boxes

Similar words

boîte: A container for holding things, often with a lid.
paquet: A small bundle wrapped in paper or plastic.
colis: A package sent by mail or delivery service.
caisse: A large, sturdy box made of wood or metal.

Definition in French

Boîte faite de carton épais, généralement utilisée pour le stockage ou le déménagement.

Word origin

The word developed from Italian cartone, formed from carta and ultimately borrowed from Latin charta for paper.

Usage tips

  • In faire un carton, carton is idiomatic and can mean achieving great success rather than making a box.

Other meanings

  • cardboardnoun
  • smash hitnoun

Related words

  • cartonnémade of cardboardadjective
  • cartonnerbe a hitverb

Word lists with this word