coulisse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “coulisse” mean?
A backstage area in a theatre, especially the space between the side wings or scenery flats.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A backstage area in a theatre, especially the space between the side wings or scenery flats.
Any situation or activity that happens behind the scenes, away from public view; also refers to a vertical side piece in a stage set or, in finance, the Paris stock market for unlisted securities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the theatrical meaning is more dominant, while in American English, the term is rare and primarily appears in historical contexts or in discussions of European finance.
Connotations
UK: Technical/theatrical. US: Archaic, specialised, or relating to French contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, but higher in UK English due to stronger preservation of theatrical terminology. In US English, 'wings' or 'backstage' are overwhelmingly preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “coulisse” in a Sentence
[activity] + in the coulissethe coulisse + of + [organisation/event]behind the coulisseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coulisse” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coulisse market was volatile.
- They discussed coulisse financing.
American English
- He was a coulisse broker in Paris.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the unofficial Paris securities market; 'coulisse brokers'.
Academic
Used in theatre history, performance studies, and political science to denote hidden power structures.
Everyday
Virtually unused; replaced by 'behind the scenes'.
Technical
Precise term for the space between side wings/flats on a stage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coulisse”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coulisse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coulisse”
- Using it as a synonym for 'curtain'.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈkuːlɪs/ (like 'cool-is').
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'behind the scenes' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. In most contexts, 'behind the scenes' or 'backstage' are preferable.
No, 'coulisse' is only used as a noun or attributively as an adjective (e.g., coulisse market).
The 'coulisse' is the physical side-stage area between scenery, while a 'green room' is a separate lounge for actors when not on stage.
Primarily in advanced reading on theatre, European history, political science, or finance, especially concerning France. It's a marker of a sophisticated, specialised vocabulary.
A backstage area in a theatre, especially the space between the side wings or scenery flats.
Coulisse is usually formal, technical in register.
Coulisse: in British English it is pronounced /kuːˈliːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kuˈlis/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Manoeuvres in the coulisse (secret dealings)”
- “Pulled the strings from the coulisse”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COUCH (cou-) placed in the WINGS (-lisse sounds like 'lease') of a theatre for actors to rest BEHIND THE SCENES.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISIBILITY IS KNOWLEDGE / HIDDEN IS POWERFUL (e.g., 'The real decisions were made in the coulisse').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'coulisse' used to refer to a specific financial market?