French word

volant

Pronunciation

IPA/volɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsteering wheel

Example

Prends le volant, s'il te plaît.

Please take hold of the steering wheel.

Illustration for volant (steering wheel)

More examples

Tourne doucement le volant pour éviter la bosse.

Turn the steering wheel gently to avoid the bump.

Core concept

A motion-linked object: a turning control in a vehicle and a light object sent flying in play.

Common phrases

  • tourner le volant

    turn the steering wheel

  • tenir le volant à deux mains

    hold the steering wheel with both hands

Similar words

guidon: A two-handed bar for changing the direction of a bicycle or motorcycle.
roue: A rotating circular part that bears a vehicle's weight and rolls on the road.
pneu: An air-filled rubber part on the outside of a vehicle that contacts the road.

Definition in French

Pièce ronde que le conducteur tient et tourne pour orienter les roues d'un véhicule.

Word origin

Volant comes from the present participle of French voler, 'to fly', which became a noun for moving objects such as a shuttlecock and a steering wheel.

Usage tips

  • Prendre le volant means to take over driving, while être au volant means to be driving; a bicycle normally has a guidon.

Other meanings

  • shuttlecocknoun

Word lists with this word