chapeau melon
/ʃa.po m(ə).lɔ̃/
In French, chapeau melon is the term for a bowler hat.
While the English word 'bowler' can refer to a person who plays the sport of bowling, the French term chapeau melon refers specifically to the piece of headwear.
Meaning: one who engages in the sport of bowling (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so it is preceded by the masculine article un to say 'a bowler hat' (un chapeau melon).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃa.po m(ə).lɔ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume 'bowler' refers to a person who plays bowling, but in French, chapeau melon refers specifically to the headwear.
Did you know?
- In French culture, the chapeau melon is often associated with the surrealist art movement and figures like René Magritte.
- In French, the word chapeau can be used as an interjection on its own to express admiration or praise, similar to saying 'hats off' in English.
- The term chapeau melon literally translates to 'melon hat' because the shape of the bowler hat resembles the fruit.
Examples in context
- Devine ce qu'ils ont eu ! Un chapeau melon pour lui et des bottes de cuir pour elle !Guess what they got! A bowler hat for him and leather boots for her!This sentence uses chapeau melon to describe a gift.Tatoeba #693697 by U2FS, translation #693506 by U2FS
- Il y a un chapeau melon sur la table.There is a bowler hat on the table.This sentence uses chapeau melon to describe an object's location.Tatoeba #379047 by MUIRIEL, translation #379049 by MUIRIEL
- Le photographe a capturé de superbes images des joueurs de boules en action.The photographer captured stunning images of the bowlers in action.
- L'équipe de France de joueurs de boules est connue pour son succès international.The French team of bowlers is known for its international success.
- Les pétanqueurs se sont réunis au parc pour une partie amicale.The bowlers gathered at the park for a friendly game.
- Mon voisin est un excellent pétanqueur. Il remporte souvent les tournois locaux.My neighbor is an excellent bowler. He frequently wins local tournaments.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are at a vintage clothing store.
- GabrielRegarde ce chapeau melon, Chloé !Look at this bowler hat, Chloé!
- ChloéC'est très original, Gabriel.It's very original, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce que je peux l'essayer ?Can I try it on?
- ChloéOui, vas-y !Yes, go ahead!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chapeau melon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
