mouchoir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, dated
Quick answer
What does “mouchoir” mean?
A small square of cloth or paper used for wiping one's nose or face.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small square of cloth or paper used for wiping one's nose or face.
In historical or literary contexts, a cloth used for personal hygiene, often carried for wiping sweat or tears. Also used in specific fixed phrases.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No practical difference in usage, as the word is equally rare and specialist in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of high formality, archaism, or deliberate use of French for stylistic effect. May sound pretentious or humorously old-fashioned in everyday speech.
Frequency
Effectively zero in both varieties outside specific literary or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mouchoir” in a Sentence
mouchoir de poche (pocket handkerchief)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possibly in historical or literary studies discussing French influences or 19th-century texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used; 'handkerchief' or 'tissue' are standard.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mouchoir”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mouchoir”
- Using 'mouchoir' in natural modern English conversation instead of 'handkerchief'.
- Mispronouncing it as /maʊˈtʃɔɪr/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered a formal or archaic French loanword. 'Handkerchief' is the standard term.
In everyday English, it would sound highly affected, old-fashioned, or deliberately pretentious. It is not recommended for general use.
The French phrase 'mouchoir de poche' (pocket handkerchief) is sometimes seen in English texts describing historical fashion.
It is anglicised, typically as /ˈmuːʃwɑːr/, attempting to approximate the French pronunciation while fitting English phonology.
A small square of cloth or paper used for wiping one's nose or face.
Mouchoir is usually formal, literary, dated in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mouchoir de poche”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOU-CHOIR sounds like 'moo' and 'choir'. Imagine a cow in a choir pulling out a fancy handkerchief to wipe its snout.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY/ARTIFICE IS FRENCH (use of French word implies refinement).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'mouchoir' be MOST appropriate?