French word

pare-brise

Pronunciation

IPA/paʁbʁiz/

Meaning

  • masculine nounwindshield

Example

Il faut changer le pare-brise.

The windshield needs to be replaced.

Illustration for pare-brise (windshield)

More examples

Le pare-brise est fissuré à cause d'un caillou.

The windshield is cracked because of a pebble.

Core concept

A transparent shield at the front of a vehicle, with the road visible through it.

Common phrases

  • changer le pare-brise

    replace the windshield

  • nettoyer le pare-brise

    clean the windshield

  • briser le pare-brise

    break the windshield

Similar words

vitre: A transparent pane used for car side windows or building windows.
lunette arrière: A curved car window at the rear that allows visibility behind the vehicle.

Definition in French

Vitre placée à l'avant d'un véhicule qui protège l'habitacle et permet au conducteur de voir la route.

Word origin

The compound combines pare, from parer ('to ward off'), with brise ('breeze'), referring originally to a screen against wind.

Usage tips

  • Pare-brise is masculine, so standard forms are un pare-brise and le pare-brise, although vitre is feminine.

Word lists with this word