French word

rampe

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɑ̃p/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhandrail

Example

Il s'est appuyé sur la rampe en descendant l'escalier.

He leaned on the handrail as he went down the stairs.

Illustration for rampe (handrail)

More examples

La rampe d'accès facilite l'entrée des personnes en fauteuil roulant.

The access ramp makes it easier for people in wheelchairs to enter.

Core concept

A continuous rail at the side of a stairway or balcony, close enough to grasp and sometimes high enough to stop a fall.

Common phrases

  • rampe d'escalier

    staircase handrail

  • rampe d'accès

    access ramp

  • poser une rampe

    install a handrail

Similar words

main courante: A slim indoor handrail used for support while moving around.
garde-corps: A protective barrier designed to prevent falls and built for strength and height.

Definition in French

Élément fixé au bord d'un escalier ou d'un balcon qui sert de support pour la main et parfois de protection contre la chute.

Word origin

French adopted rampe from Italian rampa, whose earlier sense was a slope, and extended it to a supporting or protective architectural fixture.

Usage tips

  • Rampe d'escalier usually names the handrail, while garde-corps specifically emphasizes protection against falling.

Other meanings

  • rampnoun
  • railingnoun

Word lists with this word