French word

tiroir

Pronunciation

IPA/tiʁwaʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine noundrawer

Example

Où est le tiroir ?

Where is the drawer?

Illustration for tiroir (drawer)

More examples

Je dois fermer le tiroir avant de partir.

I have to close the drawer before leaving.

Core concept

A movable compartment in a piece of furniture, opened by drawing it toward the body.

Common phrases

  • le tiroir de la commode

    the dresser drawer

  • fermer le tiroir

    close the drawer

  • le tiroir sous le lit

    the drawer under the bed

Similar words

placard: A large storage space built into a wall or piece of furniture, with a door.
armoire: A tall cabinet with doors for storing clothes or bulky items.
étagère: A storage unit with horizontal shelves for displaying books or small objects.
boîte: A small removable container with a lid for storing or carrying things.

Definition in French

Partie d'un meuble que l'on tire pour ranger ou prendre des objets, constituée en compartiment coulissant.

Word origin

Tiroir belongs to the French family built on tirer, 'to pull', and its -oir suffix refers to a functional object or place; tirer traces back to Latin trahere.

Usage tips

  • Mettre quelque chose dans un tiroir can also mean putting a plan or matter on hold, so context determines whether the meaning is literal.

Word lists with this word