caméléon
/ka.me.le.ɔ̃/masculine
The English word chameleon is caméléon in French.
caméléon is a masculine noun used to refer to the reptile of the same name.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of caméléon is caméléons, formed by adding an 's' to the end as is standard for most French nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables: /ka.me.le.ɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- The Greek roots of caméléon literally mean 'ground lion' because the ancient Greeks thought the creature's behavior resembled a lion stalking its prey on the earth.
- In French, the word caméléon is used as a metaphor for a person who changes their opinions or behavior to fit in with different groups, often implying a lack of sincerity.
- In French literature and fables, the caméléon is often used as a symbol of invisibility or the ability to hide in plain sight.
Examples in context
- Le caméléon peut changer la couleur de sa peau.The chameleon can change its skin color.This sentence is useful for illustrating the ability of the caméléon to change its skin color.Tatoeba #11935964 by lbdx, translation #4149506 by Hybrid
- Le caméléon est un reptile fascinant.The chameleon is a fascinating reptile.
- Oh regarde, un caméléon ! Il est trop mignon.Oh look, a chameleon! It's so cute.
- C'est quoi ce chaméléon bizarre ? Il change de couleur !What's that weird chameleon? It changes color!
- J'ai vu un petit caméléon dans le jardin.I saw a little chameleon in the garden.
- Le caméléon est posé sur une branche.The chameleon is perched on a branch.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are visiting a zoo.
- EmmaRegarde, Gabriel, il y a un caméléon !Look, Gabriel, there is a chameleon!
- GabrielIl est vraiment impressionnant ce caméléon.This chameleon is truly impressive.
- EmmaIl change de couleur très vite.It changes color very quickly.
- GabrielC'est un animal fascinant.It is a fascinating animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chameleon” translations and entries caméléon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caméléon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
