French word

flambeau

Pronunciation

IPA/flɑ̃bo/

Meaning

  • masculine nountorch

Example

On a porté le flambeau pendant la procession.

The torch was carried during the procession.

Illustration for flambeau (torch)

More examples

Après la réunion, il a passé le flambeau à sa collègue.

After the meeting, he handed the torch to his colleague.

Core concept

A visible torch carried by a group, later serving as an emblem of an inherited duty.

Common phrases

  • passer le flambeau à

    hand the torch to ___

  • prendre le flambeau

    take up the torch

Similar words

torche: A portable handheld light with a flame or powerful beam.
lampe de poche: A small electric light carried for illuminating nearby areas in the dark.
bougie: A wax candle providing short-term light or a decorative glow.

Definition in French

Objet incandescent porté à la main pour éclairer ou marquer un cortège; par extension, symbole de la transmission d'une responsabilité ou d'un rôle.

Word origin

The word comes through Old French flambe 'flame', formed with -eau, and ultimately belongs to the family of Latin flamma.

Usage tips

  • The expression passer le flambeau à quelqu'un uses à for the person who receives the role or responsibility.

Related words

  • flamberflare upverb
  • flambéeflare-upnoun

Word lists with this word