French word

torche

Pronunciation

IPA/tɔʁʃ/

Meaning

  • feminine nountorch

Example

La torche olympique passe de main en main.

The Olympic torch is passed from hand to hand.

Illustration for torche (torch)

More examples

J'ai allumé une torche pour chercher dans le grenier.

I lit a torch to search in the attic.

Core concept

A hand-held bundle with a flame at its end, carried to cast light.

Common phrases

  • une torche

    a torch

  • allumer une torche

    light a torch

  • la torche olympique

    the Olympic torch

Similar words

lampe: An electric light used indoors or outdoors, either placed on a surface or hung.
lampe de poche: A small handheld light powered by batteries or a rechargeable battery.
bougie: A slender wax candle with a wick that burns as the wax slowly melts.
lanterne: A portable light enclosed in a casing that protects its flame or bulb from wind and rain.

Definition in French

Objet portatif, généralement un bâton garni de matière combustible, tenu à la main et allumé pour produire de la lumière par une flamme

Word origin

French torche comes from Old French torche, a term for a twisted bundle that could be used as a burning light.

Usage tips

  • French torche usually means a flaming torch, while a portable electric flashlight is a lampe de poche.

Related words

  • torcherwipeverb
  • torchoncleaning ragnoun
  • torchèrefloor lampnoun

Word lists with this word