French word

chiffon

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃifɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounrag

Example

Donne-moi un chiffon pour essuyer le sol.

Give me a rag to wipe the floor.

Illustration for chiffon (rag)

More examples

J'ai trouvé un chiffon sale dans la poche.

I found a dirty rag in the pocket.

Core concept

A small, worn cloth moved across a surface to lift dirt or moisture.

Common phrases

  • un chiffon

    a rag

  • un chiffon propre

    a clean rag

  • un chiffon de cuisine

    a kitchen rag

Similar words

torchon: A thick kitchen cloth for drying dishes and wiping tables.
serviette: A cloth or paper napkin for wiping the mouth or hands during a meal.
tissu: Fabric used to make clothing or cover furniture.
éponge: An absorbent sponge used for cleaning or washing dishes.

Definition in French

Petit bout de tissu, souvent sale ou usé, employé pour essuyer ou nettoyer.

Word origin

French chiffon comes from Old French chiffe, meaning a rag or scrap of cloth, with the diminutive suffix -on.

Usage tips

  • Chiffon is masculine, so the usual form is un chiffon, as in un chiffon propre.

Other meanings

  • clothnoun

Related words

  • chiffonnercrumpleverb
  • chiffonnécrumpledadjective

Word lists with this word