French word

foyer

Pronunciation

IPA/fwaje/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfamily

Example

Le foyer est important pour les enfants.

The family is important to children.

Illustration for foyer (family)

More examples

Le foyer familial offre un sentiment de sécurité.

The family home provides a sense of security.

Core concept

A home gathered around one shared center, including both the dwelling and the people living in it.

Common phrases

  • foyer familial

    family home

  • foyer conjugal

    marital home

Similar words

maison: A house or other building occupied by people or a family.
logement: Housing or a dwelling intended for living.
domicile: Someone's usual home or place of residence.
ménage: A group of people sharing the same home.

Definition in French

Ensemble constitué par le domicile et les personnes qui y vivent, évoquant le centre de la vie familiale.

Word origin

French foyer derives from Old French foier and ultimately from Latin focus, meaning hearth; its sense extended from the fireplace to the household gathered around it.

Usage tips

  • In French, foyer commonly means household or home, while English foyer more often means an entrance hall or lobby.

Other meanings

  • lobbynoun
  • fireplacenoun
  • shelternoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word