compote
/kɔ̃.pɔt/feminine
The French word compote means fruit dessert.
A compote is a fruit dessert consisting of fruit that has been cooked and is often mashed or chopped.
Meaning: fruit dessert (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of compote is compotes.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced /kɔ̃.pɔt/ and has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the word compote to refer to a thick fruit jam or jelly, but in French, compote specifically implies fruit that has been cooked and often mashed or chopped.
Did you know?
- The word compote shares the same Latin root as the English word 'compost'. While one is a sweet treat and the other is decaying organic matter, both originally referred to a mixture of ingredients.
- Unlike 'jam' or 'marmalade' which are often stored in jars, compote is frequently served warm in a bowl as a side dish for meat or as a standalone dessert.
- While English speakers might think of 'compote' as a fancy garnish, in France it is often seen as a humble, everyday staple found in simple plastic pouches for children's school lunches.
Examples in context
- Les mirabelles sont également délicieuses en compotes.Mirabelles are equally delicious in a compote.Tatoeba #1522047 by sacredceltic, translation #1610202 by human600
- Je voudrais une compote de pommes, s'il vous plaît.I would like an apple compote, please.
- Cette compote de poires est très bonne.This pear compote is very good.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are having dessert at home.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu veux une compote ?Do you want a fruit compote?
- NathanOui, merci Emma, j'en veux bien une.Yes, thank you Emma, I would like one.
- EmmaElle est faite maison avec des fraises.It is homemade with strawberries.
- NathanElle a l'air délicieuse !It looks delicious!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compote” translations and entries compote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
