coiffeuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, specialised
Quick answer
What does “coiffeuse” mean?
A female hairdresser.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female hairdresser.
Primarily refers to a professional female hairdresser. Can also refer to the dressing table or vanitory unit used by such a professional, particularly in French contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more recognised in British English due to closer French influence, but very rare in both varieties. In American English, 'hairdresser' or 'stylist' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
In both varieties, using 'coiffeuse' can sound pretentious or deliberately Europhile unless in a very specific context (e.g., writing about a Parisian salon).
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in everyday speech. Most likely encountered in literary works, fashion journalism, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coiffeuse” in a Sentence
[coiffeuse] + [verb: styled, cut, arranged][client] + [visited, consulted] + [coiffeuse]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coiffeuse” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The renowned coiffeuse from Knightsbridge was booked months in advance.
- She trained as a coiffeuse in London before opening her own salon.
American English
- The celebrity coiffeuse flew in from New York for the awards show.
- Her grandmother had been a coiffeuse for a wealthy family in Boston.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the name of an upmarket salon ('Chez Marie, Coiffeuse').
Academic
Used in historical or cultural studies discussing fashion, gender roles, or French influence.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in fashion and beauty industry writing, often to evoke a specific French aesthetic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coiffeuse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coiffeuse”
- Using it for a male hairdresser (should be 'coiffeur').
- Mispronouncing it as /kɔɪˈfjuːz/ (like 'coif' + 'use').
- Using it in casual conversation where it sounds affected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised borrowing from French. The everyday term is 'hairdresser' or 'hairstylist'.
There is no difference in core meaning. 'Coiffeuse' is the French word for a female hairdresser and is used in English primarily for stylistic effect to evoke French elegance, artistry, or a specific historical/cultural context.
Yes, in French, 'coiffeuse' can also mean a dressing table or vanity. This meaning is occasionally carried over into English, but it is even rarer than the 'hairdresser' meaning.
The standard anglicised pronunciation is /ˌkwɑːˈfɜːz/ (kwa-FURZ), with the stress on the second syllable. Avoid pronouncing the final 'e'.
A female hairdresser.
Coiffeuse is usually formal, specialised in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in English”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'coiffure' (hairstyle) + '-euse' (a French feminine suffix for a person who does something), like 'masseuse'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTIST AND CANVAS (The coiffeuse is an artist, the hair is her medium).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coiffeuse' MOST appropriately used in English?