French word

paupière

Pronunciation

IPA/popjɛʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nouneyelid

Example

Il avait les paupières lourdes après la nuit blanche.

His eyelids were heavy after the sleepless night.

Illustration for paupière (eyelid)

More examples

Elle a fermé les paupières pour se concentrer.

She closed her eyelids to concentrate.

Core concept

Two flexible skin curtains slide over the eye, protecting its surface and renewing its moisture with each blink.

Common phrases

  • fermer les paupières

    close one's eyelids

  • ouvrir les paupières

    open one's eyelids

Similar words

œil: The organ that receives light and allows vision.
cil: A fine hair along the edge of the eye that helps keep out dust and particles.
sourcil: An arched strip of hair above the eye that helps keep sweat and water out.
clignement: A quick closing and opening of the eyelids.

Definition in French

La paupière désigne une fine portion de peau mobile qui protège l'œil et contribue à l'humidification par le clignement.

Word origin

French paupière comes through Old French from Latin palpebra, the inherited Latin term for this part of the eye.

Usage tips

  • Paupière is feminine, so standard forms include une paupière and les paupières.

Word lists with this word