meridienne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “meridienne” mean?
A type of daybed or chaise longue with a backrest at one end, designed for reclining during the day.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of daybed or chaise longue with a backrest at one end, designed for reclining during the day.
In broader usage, refers to any reclining sofa or couch, especially in French-style furniture; historically, a south-facing bench or seat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, but more commonly recognized in British English due to French influence. In American English, it is often replaced by 'daybed' or 'chaise lounge'.
Connotations
Conveys sophistication, French elegance, and historical value in furniture design.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both; slightly higher in British English in historical or design contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “meridienne” in a Sentence
Used as a countable noun, e.g., 'a meridienne'Often followed by prepositions like 'on', 'by', or 'with'Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in high-end furniture sales or interior design proposals.
Academic
Used in art history, furniture design, or historical studies related to French culture.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation; replaced by more common terms like 'daybed' or 'couch'.
Technical
Specific term in furniture making and interior design for a type of chaise longue.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meridienne”
- Mispronouncing as 'meridian' or 'meridien'.
- Using it in general contexts where 'sofa' would be more appropriate.
- Spelling as 'meridiene' or 'meridien'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and specialized term primarily used in furniture and interior design contexts.
In British English, it is often pronounced /mɛrɪˈdjɛn/, and in American English, similarly, though pronunciations may vary slightly.
A meridienne is a specific type of chaise longue, often with a backrest at one end and associated with French design, while chaise longue is a more general term.
It is not recommended for everyday use as it may not be understood; terms like 'daybed' or 'couch' are more common.
A type of daybed or chaise longue with a backrest at one end, designed for reclining during the day.
Meridienne is usually formal/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'meridian' as a line, and 'meridienne' as a line you recline on, like a daybed.
Conceptual Metaphor
Embodies rest and elegance, often metaphorically associated with leisure and sophistication.
Practice
Quiz
What is a meridienne?