French word

trotter

Pronunciation

IPA/tʁote/

Meaning

  • verbtrot

Example

Le chien trotte dans le jardin.

The dog is trotting in the garden.

Illustration for trotter (trot)

More examples

Elle trotte à petites foulées.

She trots with short strides.

Core concept

A small, springy run with quick, short strides and a steady tempo.

Common phrases

  • trotter vers la gare

    trot toward the station

  • trotter à petites foulées

    trot with short strides

Similar words

courir: Move quickly by running.
marcher: Travel on foot at a walking pace.
jogger: Run at a slow, sustained pace.

Definition in French

Marcher rapidement avec de courtes enjambées ou courir légèrement sans atteindre une course soutenue.

Word origin

The verb trotter developed from Old French troter, whose sound-based formation is also reflected in the related English word trot.

Usage tips

  • For a sustained or athletic run, French normally uses courir; trotter suggests a lighter, less sustained movement.

Other meanings

  • jogverb

Opposites

Related words

  • trottinettekick scooternoun
  • trottinementtrottingnoun

Word lists with this word