chaussure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Fashion, Literary
Quick answer
What does “chaussure” mean?
A French word meaning 'shoe', a protective covering for the foot with a sole and typically reaching no higher than the ankle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French word meaning 'shoe', a protective covering for the foot with a sole and typically reaching no higher than the ankle.
In a fashion or commercial context, it can be used in English to refer elegantly or specifically to a style of French shoe, particularly a woman's high-end or fashionable shoe. It is a loanword from French, not a core English term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Possibly slightly more frequent in UK fashion writing due to geographical and historical ties to France.
Connotations
Conveys sophistication, high fashion, and a distinctly French aesthetic.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in everyday language. Most native English speakers would not use this word; they would use 'shoe' or more specific terms like 'pump', 'loafer', etc.
Grammar
How to Use “chaussure” in a Sentence
to purchase a chaussurea chaussure by [Designer]clad in elegant chaussuresVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chaussure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not used as a verb in English.
American English
- N/A – not used as a verb in English.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb in English.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb in English.
adjective
British English
- She admired the chaussure department at Harrods.
American English
- The boutique had a chaussure focus, ignoring handbags.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in high-end retail, fashion marketing, and brand names to denote French-style shoes.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical texts, fashion studies, or cultural analyses.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts like podiatry or manufacturing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chaussure”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtʃɔːʃər/ (like 'chore sure').
- Using it as a general term for any shoe in English.
- Misspelling as 'chassure' or 'chausure'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency loanword from French. The common English word is 'shoe'.
Approximately /ʃoʊˈsʊr/ in American English and /ʃəʊˈsjʊə/ in British English, imitating the French pronunciation.
Generally, no. Use 'shoe' unless you are specifically discussing French footwear in a fashion or cultural context where the French term is relevant.
Yes, typically 'chaussures', following the French plural. It is often used in the plural (e.g., 'a collection of chaussures').
A French word meaning 'shoe', a protective covering for the foot with a sole and typically reaching no higher than the ankle.
Chaussure is usually formal, fashion, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If the chaussure fits... (a direct, rare translation of the idiom 'If the shoe fits...')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHAU' like 'CHAUffeured' in luxury, and 'SSURE' like 'aSSUREdly elegant'. A chauffeured car for your feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOTWEAR IS A STATUS SYMBOL / FOOTWEAR IS A CULTURAL ARTEFACT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the English use of 'chaussure' MOST appropriate?