French word

insecte

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃sɛkt/

Meaning

  • masculine nouninsect

Example

J'ai trouvé un insecte dans la cuisine.

I found an insect in the kitchen.

Illustration for insecte (insect)

More examples

J'ai eu une piqûre d'insecte en faisant du jardinage.

I got an insect bite while gardening.

Core concept

A small creature with a distinct head, middle section, and abdomen, moving on three pairs of legs and often bearing antennae.

Common phrases

  • piqûre d'insecte

    insect bite

  • un insecte volant

    a flying insect

  • insecte nuisible

    harmful insect

Similar words

bête: A casual term for an animal of any kind.
bestiole: A casual term for a small creature with an indistinct shape.
mouche: A small flying insect often found around homes.
papillon: A colorful winged insect that flies with its wings spread.

Definition in French

Animal petit caractérisé par trois parties du corps (tête, thorax, abdomen), trois paires de pattes et souvent des antennes.

Word origin

Insecte developed from Latin insectum, literally a "cut-into" or segmented thing, from the verb insecare.

Usage tips

  • Insecte is a neutral term, whereas vermine carries a strongly negative sense and refers to creatures viewed as pests.

Other meanings

  • pestnoun

Related words

  • insecticideinsecticidenoun
  • insectariuminsectariumnoun
  • insectivoreinsectivorenoun

Word lists with this word