French word

enseigne

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃sɛɲ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsign

Example

L'enseigne du magasin est allumée.

The store's sign is lit.

Illustration for enseigne (sign)

More examples

Il a changé l'enseigne au néon hier soir.

He changed the neon sign last night.

Core concept

A shopfront marker that makes a business recognizable from outside.

Common phrases

  • enseigne au néon

    neon sign

  • enseigne de marque

    branded sign

Similar words

panneau: A flat metal or wooden panel mounted to display information or advertising.
affiche: A printed paper or cardboard poster hung on a wall or window for promotion.
vitrine: A glass-fronted display area showing a shop's products to passersby.
logo: A graphic or textual design representing a company or shop.

Definition in French

Objet visible fixé à la façade ou suspendu, composé de lettres, d'un logo ou d'un panneau indiquant l'activité ou le nom du commerce.

Word origin

Enseigne comes through Old French from Latin insignia, the plural of insigne meaning distinguishing marks, and the sense developed from a sign or standard to a commercial display.

Usage tips

  • Enseigne is feminine, so the usual forms are une enseigne and l'enseigne before a vowel sound.

Other meanings

  • store namenoun
  • brandnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word