French Conversation · Level 132
30 words
French word
veilleur
Pronunciation
IPA/vɛjœʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nounsecurity guard
Example
Le veilleur a appelé la police hier soir.
The security guard called the police last night.
More examples
Un veilleur de nuit a fermé la porte du magasin.
A night watchman closed the store door.
Core concept
A person stationed at a place through the night, watching for trouble and ready to alert others.
Common phrases
veilleur de nuit
night watchman
veilleur de la gare
station security guard
veilleur d'immeuble
building security guard
Similar words
agent de sécurité: A security officer who protects people and property at facilities or events.
gardien: A person who oversees and watches over a building or facility.
concierge: A building manager who maintains the property and assists its residents.
Definition in French
Personne employée pour garder un lieu ou assurer une présence préventive, le plus souvent la nuit.
Word origin
Veilleur is formed from French veiller with the agent suffix -eur; veiller continues Old French veillier from Latin vigilare, meaning to keep watch.
Usage tips
- The feminine form veilleuse also means a night-light, so context distinguishes the person from the small lamp.