French word

nouba

Pronunciation

IPA/nuba/

Meaning

  • feminine nounparty

Example

On va à une nouba ce soir.

We're going to a party tonight.

Illustration for nouba (party)

More examples

Ils ont décidé de préparer une nouba pour son anniversaire.

They decided to plan a party for his birthday.

Core concept

A lively, informal gathering where drinking and companionship carry on into the night.

Common phrases

  • participer à une nouba

    participate in a party

  • préparer une nouba

    plan a party

Similar words

soirée: An evening gathering for friends or acquaintances.
fête: A party held to celebrate something or bring people together.

Definition in French

Terme familier désignant une soirée festive, souvent animée et prolongée, où l'on boit et partage un moment convivial.

Word origin

Nouba comes from Arabic nūba, a word for a turn or musical sequence that entered French through North African usage and came to denote a festive gathering.

Usage tips

  • Nouba is familiar rather than formal, so soirée festive or réception suits more official contexts.

Word lists with this word