coiffeur: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, or sophisticated commercial; often used in fashion/beauty contexts.
Quick answer
What does “coiffeur” mean?
A professional hairdresser, particularly one who styles women's hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A professional hairdresser, particularly one who styles women's hair.
A hairstylist, often implying a skilled, artistic, or high-end professional who creates elaborate or fashionable hairstyles, especially for formal events or clientele.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, often in fashion writing. In American English, it is considered very sophisticated or deliberately French.
Connotations
Both varieties connote elegance, high skill, and Parisian chic. It may sound pretentious if used in everyday contexts for a standard haircut.
Frequency
Low frequency in both. In the US, 'hairstylist' or 'stylist' is far more common. In the UK, 'hairdresser' is dominant, but 'coiffeur' appears in upmarket salon names.
Grammar
How to Use “coiffeur” in a Sentence
[coiffeur] + for + [celebrity/event][coiffeur] + at + [salon]be styled by + [coiffeur]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coiffeur” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was expertly coiffured for the gala.
American English
- The actress was coiffed by a top stylist.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard]
American English
- [Not standard]
adjective
British English
- She sought a coiffeur salon for her wedding day.
American English
- [Rare as adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in branding for high-end salons (e.g., 'Coiffeur Jean-Luc').
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies about fashion.
Everyday
Very rare; would sound affected.
Technical
Used in the professional beauty and fashion industry, particularly in editorial or bridal contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coiffeur”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coiffeur”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkɔɪ.fər/ (like 'coif' + 'er').
- Using it to refer to a barber for men's short hair.
- Misspelling: 'coiffure' (the hairstyle) vs. 'coiffeur' (the person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'coiffeur' is a specific type of hairdresser, implying high skill, artistry, and often a French or upmarket association. 'Hairdresser' is the general, neutral term.
It can be, but it is traditionally and more commonly associated with stylists for women's hair. For men, 'barber' or 'men's groomer' is more typical.
The feminine form is 'coiffeuse' (pronounced similarly).
No, the person is the 'coiffeur'. The related verb is 'to coif' or 'to coiffure' (to style hair), though these are also quite formal/rare.
A professional hairdresser, particularly one who styles women's hair.
Coiffeur is usually formal, literary, or sophisticated commercial; often used in fashion/beauty contexts. in register.
Coiffeur: in British English it is pronounced /kwɑːˈfəː/, and in American English it is pronounced /kwɑˈfɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The QUEEN's HAIR is perfectly styled by her French COIFFEUR.' (kwɑːˈfəː).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTIST/CRAFTSMAN: The coiffeur is a sculptor of hair.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coiffeur' MOST appropriately used?