French word

volet

Pronunciation

IPA/volɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounshutter

Example

Peux-tu fermer le volet de la chambre ?

Can you close the bedroom shutter?

Illustration for volet (shutter)

More examples

Avant de partir, il faut baisser le volet.

Before leaving, you have to lower the shutter.

Core concept

A movable outer shield that covers a window or French door to block light, weather, and outside view.

Common phrases

  • baisser le volet

    lower the shutter

  • remonter le volet

    raise the shutter

  • le volet en bois

    wooden shutter

Similar words

rideau: A fabric covering hung over a window or opening to soften light and screen views.
volet roulant: A rigid covering that rolls into a box and moves up or down to seal a window.
store: A fabric or synthetic covering that rolls or lowers to adjust light and privacy.
volet battant: A hinged, panel-like covering that swings sideways to close a window.

Definition in French

Pièce mobile fixée devant une fenêtre ou une porte-fenêtre pour bloquer la lumière, protéger des intempéries et préserver l'intimité; peut être à panneaux battants ou enroulable.

Word origin

Volet comes from Old French volet, a diminutive related to voile, and ultimately from Latin velum, meaning a covering.

Usage tips

  • French often uses the plural volets in everyday phrases such as fermer les volets, even when one room or window is meant.

Other meanings

  • aspectnoun

Word lists with this word