coquette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2literary, formal, historical, sometimes fashion/lifestyle contexts
Quick answer
What does “coquette” mean?
A woman who flirts or behaves in a flirtatious way to attract attention and admiration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who flirts or behaves in a flirtatious way to attract attention and admiration.
A person (primarily but not exclusively female) who plays with another's affections or behaves in a teasing, flirtatious, or alluring manner. Can also refer to a style or attitude (e.g., coquette aesthetic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and recognition are similar. The verb form 'to coquette' is rare in both, but slightly more attested in British historical texts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the core connotation of a flirtatious, teasing woman is shared. It can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More likely encountered in literary, historical, or descriptive fashion contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coquette” in a Sentence
[NP] acted the coquetteShe coquetted with [NP]the coquette's [NP] (e.g., charms, wiles)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coquette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would often coquette with the officers at the regimental ball, never intending to choose one.
American English
- The senator accused his opponent of coquetting with extremists to gain primary votes.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Use 'coquettishly')
American English
- N/A (Use 'coquettishly')
adjective
British English
- N/A (Use 'coquettish')
American English
- N/A (Use 'coquettish')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, gender studies, historical, and cultural analyses.
Everyday
Rare; if used, often humorous or slightly pejorative.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coquette”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coquette”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coquette”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkɒkwɪt/ or /koʊˈkwɛt/. Incorrect part-of-speech: Using 'coquette' as a direct synonym for 'flirtatious' as an adjective (use 'coquettish').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, 'coquette' is gendered female. A man exhibiting similar behaviour might be called a 'flirt', 'ladies' man', 'rake', or 'coquet' (archaic male form). Modern usage sometimes applies it to men, but it remains uncommon.
'Flirt' is a common, neutral term for the act or person. 'Coquette' is more specific, literary, and often implies a sustained pattern of behaviour, a degree of calculated artifice, and a focus on the power of attraction rather than genuine interest.
Not always, but it often carries a slightly critical or judgmental tone, suggesting vanity, insincerity, or fickleness. It can be used descriptively or even admiringly in contexts highlighting charm and playful energy, but the connotation of superficiality is often present.
The primary adjective is 'coquettish' (e.g., a coquettish smile, coquettish behaviour). The rarely used verb is 'to coquette'.
A woman who flirts or behaves in a flirtatious way to attract attention and admiration.
Coquette is usually literary, formal, historical, sometimes fashion/lifestyle contexts in register.
Coquette: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈkɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈkɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the coquette”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COquet (rooster) showing off its feathers to attract a mate; a coquETTE does the same with her charms.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANCE/ATTRACTION IS A GAME (she 'plays' the coquette).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coquette' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?