mistral: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Geographical/Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “mistral” mean?
A strong, cold, northwesterly wind that blows in southern France.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, cold, northwesterly wind that blows in southern France.
Refers specifically to this regional wind phenomenon; can be used metaphorically to describe any powerful, cold, drying wind or force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical, though it is more likely to be encountered in British English due to closer geographical and cultural ties to France. In American English, it is a highly specialized term.
Connotations
Carries connotations of Provence, the Mediterranean, and specific regional culture. In literature, connotes force, change, and a certain romanticised harshness.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use. Higher frequency in travel writing, geography texts, and literature about southern France.
Grammar
How to Use “mistral” in a Sentence
The mistral + verb (blows, howls, rages)Subject + verb + in/from/with + the mistralVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mistral” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The mistral can blow for days on end, making patio lunches in Avignon a bracing affair.
- They postponed the cycling race due to the severity of the mistral.
American English
- The travel guide warned us about the mistral, a wind so strong it's said to drive people mad.
- Vineyards in the Rhône Valley are shaped by the drying effect of the mistral.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in specific contexts like wine (affects vineyards) or tourism.
Academic
Used in geography, meteorology, and European studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside regions affected by it or in travel discussion.
Technical
Used in meteorology to describe a specific katabatic wind pattern in the Mediterranean.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mistral”
- Using it as a general term for any strong wind.
- Mispronouncing it with stress on the second syllable in British English (it's first syllable).
- Capitalising it when used as a common noun (e.g., 'the Mistral' is often seen but 'the mistral' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While originating from a proper name (Provençal dialect), it is typically not capitalised when used as the common noun for the wind (e.g., 'the mistral'). Capitalisation is sometimes seen but is less standard.
It is technically a specific geographical term. Using it metaphorically is possible in literary contexts ('a mistral of discontent'), but in normal speech, it would sound affected or incorrect. Use 'gale' or 'strong north wind' instead.
The mistral is a cold, dry, northerly wind flowing from the Alps/Central Massif to the Mediterranean. The Sirocco is a hot, humid, southerly wind coming from the Sahara towards Southern Europe.
English borrows many terms for specific local phenomena, especially from culturally influential regions. 'Mistral' is a loanword that has been fully naturalised, though its usage remains specialised.
A strong, cold, northwesterly wind that blows in southern France.
Mistral is usually geographical/technical, literary in register.
Mistral: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪstrəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɪˈstrɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare, literary] 'A mistral of change' - meaning a powerful force that sweeps away the old.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MISTRESS of the wind (Mistral) who is cold and powerful, ruling over Provence.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WIND IS A FORCEFUL CLEANER/AGENT OF CHANGE (e.g., 'The mistral scoured the landscape of its haze').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of the mistral?