French word

drapeau

Pronunciation

IPA/dʁapo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounflag

Example

Nous avons accroché un drapeau sur le balcon.

We hung a flag on the balcony.

Illustration for drapeau (flag)

More examples

Le drapeau national flotte sur la mairie.

The national flag flies over the town hall.

Core concept

A visible cloth marker that turns a pole, balcony, or hand into a sign of identity or communication.

Common phrases

  • drapeau national

    national flag

  • drapeau tricolore

    tricolor flag

  • lever le drapeau

    raise the flag

Similar words

pavillon: A flag flown from a ship or building to indicate nationality or affiliation.
bannière: A long sign or cloth used at gatherings or on web pages for a group's name or slogan.

Definition in French

Tissu attaché à un mât ou porté à la main servant de signe distinctif pour un pays, une équipe, une organisation ou pour envoyer un signal.

Word origin

French drapeau is derived from drap, meaning cloth, and came to denote a cloth sign before acquiring national, organizational, and signaling uses.

Usage tips

  • In porter le drapeau de ..., drapeau is figurative and refers to publicly representing a cause, group, or idea.

Other meanings

  • national flagnoun
  • signal flagnoun

Word lists with this word