courant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicFormal, Archaic, Technical (Heraldry)
Quick answer
What does “courant” mean?
A newspaper or periodical, especially a current events journal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A newspaper or periodical, especially a current events journal; also a heraldic term for an animal depicted as running.
Historically used as an adjective meaning 'running' or 'current,' now largely restricted to specific contexts like heraldry, archaic English, or the names of publications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The adjectival/heraldic sense is understood in both UK and US contexts. As a noun for a newspaper, it's rare in common parlance. The US has the notable historical paper 'The Hartford Courant,' which may influence recognition.
Connotations
Archaic, historical, or technical. May evoke a sense of old-fashioned formality or journalistic tradition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language. UK usage is more likely in heraldic contexts; US usage might recognise it from the famous newspaper name.
Grammar
How to Use “courant” in a Sentence
proper noun: The [Place Name] Courantadjective postpositive: a lion courantVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “courant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No modern verb use]
American English
- [No modern verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No modern adverb use]
American English
- [No modern adverb use]
adjective
British English
- The heraldic shield featured a stag courant.
- The motto, now courant, fell from use centuries ago.
American English
- The family crest shows a wolf courant.
- He studied the courant usage in medieval manuscripts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only relevant to the media/publishing industry in historical contexts or naming conventions.
Academic
Used in historical studies, media history, or heraldry.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Heraldry: describes an animal in a running posture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “courant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “courant”
- Using 'courant' as a modern synonym for 'newspaper.'
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkɔːrənt/ (like 'current').
- Using it as an adjective in modern prose.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, historically it was. In modern English, it survives almost exclusively in the titles of specific newspapers, most notably 'The Hartford Courant.'
It's pronounced kuh-RANT or koo-RANT, with the stress on the second syllable. It is not pronounced like the modern word 'current' (/ˈkʌrənt/).
In heraldry, it is an adjective placed after the noun (postpositive) meaning 'running.' For example, 'a deer courant' is a deer depicted in a running posture.
Generally, no. Using it to mean 'newspaper' would sound archaic or pretentious. Its appropriate use is limited to historical contexts, heraldry, or when referring to specific publications with that name.
A newspaper or periodical, especially a current events journal.
Courant is usually formal, archaic, technical (heraldry) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None in common modern use]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A COURT REPORTER wrote for the COURANT to report on CURRENT events.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLOW OF INFORMATION IS A RIVER (from its root meaning 'running/current').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a correct modern use of 'courant'?