chemise
/ʃə.miz/
In French, chemise means short nightdress.
For a nightdress specifically, it refers to a light, often thin, garment.
Meaning: short nightdress (noun)
Which one should you use?
While chemise can mean a shirt, if you are referring specifically to a man's dress shirt, the word chemise is used, but for a nightdress specifically, it refers to a light, often thin, garment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of chemise is chemises.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃə.miz/
Did you know?
- The word chemise is used in French to describe a protective cover or folder for documents, as it 'shirts' or wraps the paper.
- The term chemise was historically used for a basic linen garment worn by both men and women as an underlayer to protect expensive outer clothing from sweat.
- Historically, the chemise was the only piece of clothing some people owned that was washed regularly, as outer garments were too heavy or delicate to wash.
Examples in context
- Je porte une chemise blanche aujourd'hui.I am wearing a white shirt today.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are packing for a trip.
- GabrielAs-tu pris ta chemise préférée ?Did you take your favorite nightdress?
- EmmaOui, elle est dans mon sac.Yes, it is in my bag.
- GabrielC'est bien, il fera chaud là-bas.That's good, it will be hot there.
- EmmaJe suis prête maintenant, Gabriel.I am ready now, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chemise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
