menage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Archaic, Sometimes Humorous/Euphemistic
Quick answer
What does “menage” mean?
The members of a household, especially a family living together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The members of a household, especially a family living together; the management and organization of a household.
In broader usage, it can refer to any domestic arrangement or group, including unconventional or non-familial cohabitation situations. In literary or historical contexts, it specifically refers to the composition and administration of a domestic establishment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The accented form 'ménage' might be slightly more prevalent in British English due to stronger French influence, but both forms are used in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, somewhat old-fashioned, or literary tone. When used in modern contexts (e.g., 'a modern menage'), it can sound deliberately quaint or euphemistic.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in literature, period dramas, or sophisticated journalism than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “menage” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] menage was [VERB-ed] by the new arrival.She struggled to manage the chaotic menage of [NOUN PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or literary studies discussing family structures, domesticity, or household management (e.g., 'The Victorian menage was a microcosm of social hierarchy').
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's often humorous or euphemistic (e.g., 'Our menage now includes two cats and a puppy—chaos!').
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “menage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “menage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “menage”
- Misspelling as 'manage' or 'menauge'.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈmɛnɪdʒ/ (like 'men' + 'age').
- Using it as a verb (to menage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Menage' by itself means 'household'. 'Ménage à trois' is a specific French phrase borrowed into English meaning a domestic or romantic arrangement involving three people.
No. 'Menage' is exclusively a noun. The verb meaning 'to manage or run a household' is 'to manage' or 'to keep house'.
No, it is considered a low-frequency, formal, or literary word. In everyday conversation, 'household' or 'family' are far more common.
They are synonyms, but 'menage' emphasizes the social group and its internal management, often with a formal or old-fashioned tone. 'Household' is neutral, more common, and can refer just as easily to the physical dwelling and its contents.
The members of a household, especially a family living together.
Menage is usually formal, literary, archaic, sometimes humorous/euphemistic in register.
Menage: in British English it is pronounced /meɪˈnɑːʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /meɪˈnɑːʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “menage à trois (a domestic arrangement or romantic relationship involving three people)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MANAGE' a home. A MENAGE is the group of people you have to MANAGE in a household.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HOUSEHOLD IS A SYSTEM (to be managed, organized, kept stable).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'menage' LEAST likely to be used naturally?