French word

machine

Pronunciation

IPA/maʃin/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmachine

Example

La machine est en panne.

The machine is not working.

Illustration for machine (machine)

More examples

J'ai acheté une nouvelle machine à laver hier.

I bought a new washing machine yesterday.

Core concept

A constructed apparatus that uses power or a mechanism to perform a task.

Common phrases

  • machine à laver

    washing machine

  • machine à café

    coffee maker

  • machine à écrire

    typewriter

Similar words

appareil: A device or appliance used at home or in a factory.
équipement: A set of tools and devices needed for a specific purpose.
outil: A tool or implement used to assist with a task.
mécanisme: The internal system that creates movement in a device.

Definition in French

Appareil conçu pour accomplir un travail ou une opération, souvent grâce à une source d'énergie ou à un mécanisme.

Word origin

French machine inherited the form of Latin machina, which ultimately comes from Greek mekhanē for a device or contrivance.

Usage tips

  • French often names appliances with machine à followed by an activity, as in machine à laver.

Opposites

Word lists with this word