French word

pont

Pronunciation

IPA/pɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbridge

Example

Nous avons traversé le pont à pied.

We crossed the bridge on foot.

Illustration for pont (bridge)

More examples

Le pont est fermé pour travaux.

The bridge is closed for construction.

Core concept

One structure carries movement across a gap on land and provides a continuous platform aboard a ship.

Common phrases

  • traverser le pont

    cross the bridge

  • un pont piétonnier

    pedestrian bridge

  • faire le pont

    take a long weekend

Similar words

passerelle: A narrow, simple bridge intended only for pedestrians.

Definition in French

Structure construite pour relier deux rives ou deux points et assurer le passage des personnes, véhicules ou trains ; le mot désigne également le pont d'un navire.

Word origin

Pont is an inherited form from Latin pons, pontis via Old French, and the nautical meaning arose by applying the bridge word to a ship's spanning deck.

Usage tips

  • In the idiom être sur le pont, the literal bridge image refers to being at work or ready for action.

Other meanings

  • decknoun

Word lists with this word