belle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Literary, formal, or historical; sometimes used ironically or humorously in modern contexts.
Quick answer
What does “belle” mean?
A beautiful and attractive woman, especially the most beautiful or admired woman at a social event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A beautiful and attractive woman, especially the most beautiful or admired woman at a social event.
Can also refer to a woman who is considered exceptionally charming and elegant, often in a specific social context or group (e.g., 'belle of the ball').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English, particularly due to the historical and cultural construct of the 'Southern belle'. In British English, its use is more literary or formal.
Connotations
In AmE, can carry historical/cultural weight (antebellum South); in BrE, it's more generic for 'beautiful woman' but sounds dated or poetic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in AmE due to cultural references.
Grammar
How to Use “belle” in a Sentence
[possessive determiner] + bellethe + belle + of + [social group/event]a/an + [adjective] + belleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare; if used, often humorous or sarcastic ("Well, aren't you the belle of the barbecue?").
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “belle”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “belle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “belle”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'She is belle' – incorrect).
- Overusing it in modern, non-ironic contexts.
- Confusing spelling with 'bell'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a feminine noun.
No, it is considered literary, formal, or dated. It is often used with a touch of irony or in specific cultural references (like 'Southern belle').
'Beauty' is a general term. 'Belle' specifically refers to a woman who is the *most admired* for her beauty and charm in a particular social setting or group.
Yes, it is a direct borrowing from French, where 'belle' is the feminine form of 'beau' meaning 'beautiful'.
A beautiful and attractive woman, especially the most beautiful or admired woman at a social event.
Belle is usually literary, formal, or historical; sometimes used ironically or humorously in modern contexts. in register.
Belle: in British English it is pronounced /bɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “belle of the ball”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BELLE rhymes with 'smell' and 'tell'. Imagine a BELLE (beautiful woman) TELLing you she doesn't like the SMELL of your perfume.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS A SOCIAL CROWN / BEAUTY IS A MAGNETIC FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'belle' most naturally used?