French word

timbre

Pronunciation

IPA/tɛ̃bʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounstamp

Example

Je dois acheter un timbre pour la lettre.

I have to buy a stamp for the letter.

Illustration for timbre (stamp)

More examples

Le timbre de sa voix est reconnaissable.

The timbre of his voice is recognizable.

Core concept

A distinctive mark carried by a voice, instrument, or letter.

Common phrases

  • acheter un timbre

    buy a stamp

  • coller un timbre

    stick on a stamp

  • timbre-poste

    postage stamp

Similar words

timbre-poste: A postage stamp attached to an item being sent through the mail.
enveloppe: A paper container for sending a letter or card.
lettre: A written message sealed and sent to someone else.
poste: The postal system, including services and places that handle mail.

Definition in French

Qualité du son d'une voix ou d'un instrument qui permet de reconnaître sa couleur sonore.

Word origin

French timbre comes through Old French from Greek tympanon via Latin tympanum, first referring to a drum or resonant object before developing its modern senses.

Usage tips

  • In sound contexts, timbre commonly appears in the phrase le timbre de la voix, while un timbre often means a postage stamp.

Other meanings

  • tonenoun
  • voice qualitynoun

Related words

  • timbreraffix a stampverb
  • timbre-postepostage stampnoun

Word lists with this word