French word

noël

Pronunciation

IPA/noɛl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounChristmas

Example

Joyeux Noël !

Merry Christmas!

Illustration for noël (Christmas)

More examples

J'ai reçu un cadeau à Noël.

I received a gift at Christmas.

Core concept

A December 25 feast that connects the Christian story of Jesus's birth with communal celebration.

Common phrases

  • à Noël

    at Christmas

  • un cadeau de Noël

    a Christmas present

  • le père Noël

    Santa Claus

Similar words

fête: A festive gathering where people celebrate a special day together.
réveillon: A family meal and gathering held on the eve of a special day.

Definition in French

Fête célébrée le 25 décembre par les chrétiens pour commémorer la naissance de Jésus.

Word origin

The noun Noël comes through Old French forms such as nael and noel from Latin natalis, meaning related to birth, as the birth feast became a proper name.

Usage tips

  • French commonly uses à Noël for a time at Christmas, as in partir à Noël, rather than translating the English preposition directly.

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