French word

poteau

Pronunciation

IPA/poto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpost

Example

Le chat s'est frotté contre le poteau.

The cat rubbed against the post.

Illustration for poteau (post)

More examples

Le facteur s'est appuyé contre le poteau pour vérifier l'adresse.

The postal carrier leaned against the pole to verify the address.

Core concept

A long upright post planted in the ground to support, mark, or hold something in place.

Common phrases

  • un poteau électrique

    power pole

  • un poteau téléphonique

    telephone pole

  • un poteau en bois

    wooden stake

Similar words

borne: A low post or marker installed to prevent vehicles from entering or parking.
mât: A tall, slender upright structure for holding a flag or antenna.
colonne: A cylindrical upright support serving a structural or decorative role in a building.
pilier: A thick upright support bearing the weight of a building, bridge, or similar structure.

Definition in French

Pièce longue et verticale insérée dans le sol pour servir d'appui, de repère ou de fixation, employée pour soutenir des câbles, des panneaux ou une clôture.

Word origin

Poteau developed from Old French postel, related to post and ultimately derived from the Latin noun postis.

Usage tips

  • Poteau is masculine, so the usual article is un poteau and its plural is des poteaux.

Other meanings

  • utility polenoun
  • stakenoun

Word lists with this word