boule
/bul/
The French word boule means a round loaf of bread.
Meaning: A round loaf of bread (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, boule means 'ball', which refers to the spherical shape of the bread loaf.
Which one should you use?
While a baguette is long and thin, a boule is round and thick.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, boule is used with the feminine indefinite article une (une boule). The plural form is boules.
How do you pronounce it?
/bul/
Did you know?
- The phrase avoir la boule au ventre literally means 'to have a ball in the stomach' and describes the feeling of intense anxiety or dread.
- In French slang, boule is a colloquial term for a person's buttocks.
- In certain regions of France, specifically in the south, the word boule can refer to a specific type of game similar to bowls or bocce.
Examples in context
- La Terre est une boule qui tourne autour du soleil.The Earth is a sphere that orbits around the sun.
- J'ai perdu ma boule de cristal.I lost my crystal ball.
- Les enfants jouent avec une petite boule en plastique.The children are playing with a small plastic ball.
- On a passé une super soirée de pétanque avec des amis.We had a great boules evening with friends.
- Cette boule est très croustillante.This loaf is very crusty.
- Est-ce qu'il reste une boule sur la table ?Is there a loaf left on the table?
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are preparing lunch together.
- ManonOn mange quoi avec la salade ?What are we eating with the salad?
- NathanJ'ai acheté une boule de pain frais.I bought a fresh round loaf of bread.
- ManonC'est parfait, je vais la couper.That's perfect, I will cut it.
- NathanMerci, Manon !Thank you, Manon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry boule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
