lustre
/lystʁ/masculine
The French word for chandelier is lustre.
lustre is a noun used to refer to a branched, often ornate, lighting fixture that is suspended from a ceiling.
Meaning: branched, often ornate, lighting fixture suspended from the ceiling (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lustre is masculine. Therefore, when using the definite article, you use le lustre to say 'the chandelier'.
How do you pronounce it?
/lystʁ/
Did you know?
- The word lustre can refer to a period of five years, a meaning derived from the ancient Roman census ritual.
- In historical French contexts, a lustre was often a symbol of high social status and power, specifically used to reflect light in the mirrored halls of Versailles.
- In French, the word lustre is also used to describe the natural glow or sheen of a pearl or a piece of silk.
Examples in context
- Un lustre était suspendu au plafond.A chandelier was suspended from the ceiling.This sentence shows how to say a chandelier was suspended from the ceiling using lustre.Tatoeba #1537912 by martin9, translation #6833266 by Eccles17
- Un lustre en cristal était suspendu au-dessus de la table.A crystal chandelier was hanging over the table.This sentence shows how to describe a crystal chandelier hanging over a table using lustre.Tatoeba #11715638 by lbdx, translation #63525 by CK
- Ce vieux lustre est magnifique.This old chandelier is magnificent.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at the decor in a hotel lobby.
- EmmaRegarde ce lustre au milieu de la pièce !Look at that chandelier in the middle of the room!
- NathanIl est vraiment impressionnant, n'est-ce pas ?It is truly impressive, isn't it?
- EmmaOui, il illumine toute la salle.Yes, it lights up the whole hall.
- NathanEmma, c'est un choix de décoration superbe.Emma, it is a superb choice of decoration.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chandelier” translations and entries lustre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lustre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
