French word

rideau

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁido/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncurtain

Example

Peux-tu fermer le rideau ?

Can you close the curtain?

Illustration for rideau (curtain)

More examples

Elle a tiré les rideaux pour bloquer la lumière.

She drew the curtains to block the light.

Core concept

A movable cloth screen hanging vertically to shut out light, conceal a room, or separate spaces.

Common phrases

  • tirer les rideaux

    draw the curtains

  • ouvrir les rideaux

    open the curtains

  • laver les rideaux

    wash the curtains

Similar words

store: An adjustable window covering that controls light and privacy by rolling or tilting.
voilage: A thin, see-through window covering that gently filters daylight.

Definition in French

Pièce de tissu pendue devant une fenêtre ou une porte pour ombrager, cacher l'intérieur ou créer une séparation.

Word origin

Rideau is an Old French formation related to ride, meaning a fold or wrinkle, and originally described a folded textile hanging.

Usage tips

  • French commonly uses tirer les rideaux for drawing the curtains, while ouvrir or fermer les rideaux specifies opening or closing them.

Other meanings

  • drop curtainnoun

Word lists with this word