French word

chaleur

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃalœʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounheat

Example

Je n'arrive pas à dormir à cause de la chaleur.

I can't sleep because of the heat.

Illustration for chaleur (heat)

More examples

La chaleur du soleil rend la promenade difficile.

The heat of the sun makes the walk difficult.

Core concept

Heat filling the air, an object, or a body and causing a felt sense of heat or discomfort.

Common phrases

  • la chaleur du soleil

    the heat of the sun

  • la chaleur accablante

    oppressive heat

  • la chaleur estivale

    summer heat

Similar words

température: A measure showing how hot or cold air, objects, or the body are.
canicule: An extended period of exceptionally intense heat that may affect health.
humidité: The presence of moisture that makes air or surfaces feel damp.
froid: The condition of being cold because of low temperature.

Definition in French

État où la température de l'air, d'un objet ou du corps est élevée et provoque une sensation de chaleur ou d'inconfort.

Word origin

Chaleur comes from Latin calor through Old French and belongs to the historical family that also includes French chaud and chauffer.

Usage tips

  • Chaleur is feminine, so the example uses la chaleur and the fixed phrase à cause de la chaleur.

Other meanings

  • warmthnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word