French word

houlette

Pronunciation

IPA/ulɛt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounguidance

Example

Le jeune pianiste travaille sous la houlette de son professeur.

The young pianist practices under the guidance of his teacher.

Illustration for houlette (guidance)

More examples

Le responsable a pris la houlette du projet.

The person in charge assumed leadership of the project.

Core concept

A short shepherd's staff held out to keep a flock moving in one direction.

Similar words

direction: Setting the course or policy for an organization or group.
accompagnement: Ongoing advice and support that helps people or groups reach a goal.
soutien: Practical or emotional help that provides support.

Definition in French

Petit bâton utilisé pour conduire un troupeau ; par extension, action de guider, superviser ou diriger une personne ou un groupe.

Word origin

Houlette comes from Old French houlette, the name of a small staff used by a shepherd, and later developed a figurative sense of leadership.

Usage tips

  • The fixed expression "sous la houlette de" is common in formal or written French and means under the direction of someone.

Other meanings

  • shepherd's crooknoun
  • leadershipnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word