French Conversation · Level 89
60 words
French word
ordure
Pronunciation
IPA/ɔʁdyʁ/
Meaning
- feminine nountrash
Example
Je mets les ordures dans la poubelle.
I put the trash in the trash can.
More examples
Les animaux fouillaient les ordures sur le trottoir.
The animals were rummaging through the garbage on the sidewalk.
Core concept
A heap of unwanted household waste set aside for collection and disposal.
Common phrases
les ordures ménagères
household garbage
ramasser les ordures
pick up the garbage
Similar words
déchet: Unwanted material from homes or industry, for disposal or reuse.
ordure ménagère: Everyday household waste such as food scraps and paper.
saleté: Dirt or unclean matter on an object or in a place.
poubelle: A container used to hold rubbish.
Definition in French
Objets et matières jetés, surtout les déchets produits par les foyers et déposés pour la collecte.
Word origin
French ordure comes through Old French, while a Late Latin form ordura is sometimes proposed as its source and the earlier origin remains uncertain.
Usage tips
- The usual household term is plural les ordures or the fuller phrase les ordures ménagères, while une ordure can also be an insult for a contemptible person.