French word

pelote

Pronunciation

IPA/pəlɔt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounball of yarn

Example

La pelote est tombée sous le canapé.

The ball of yarn fell under the couch.

Illustration for pelote (ball of yarn)

More examples

Le chat joue avec une pelote de coton.

The cat is playing with a ball of cotton.

Core concept

A soft ball-shaped bundle whose strands coil inward.

Common phrases

  • pelote de coton

    ball of cotton

  • pelote de laine

    ball of wool

Similar words

balle: A small sports ball designed to be thrown or struck.
boule: A generally spherical lump or object.

Definition in French

Petite boule faite par l'enroulement d'un fil, surtout de laine, utilisée pour le tricot ou le crochet.

Word origin

The French word pelote developed from Old French pelote and traces back through Latin pilota to pila, meaning 'ball'.

Usage tips

  • The final t in pelote is pronounced, giving the word two audible syllables rather than a silent ending.

Word lists with this word