cache-oreilles
/ka.ʃɔ.ʁɛj/
The English word "earmuffs" is translated into French as cache-oreilles.
The term refers to objects used to cover the ears.
Meaning: objects that cover ears (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun cache-oreilles is composed of the verb cacher, meaning to hide or cover and oreilles, meaning ears.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ka.ʃɔ.ʁɛj/.
Did you know?
- While cache-oreilles is the standard term, you will often hear French people use the word casque for earmuffs, which is the same word they use for a helmet or headphones.
- If you are talking about industrial noise-canceling earmuffs, a French speaker will likely call them un casque antibruit instead of cache-oreilles.
- In French, the term cache-oreilles follows a common linguistic pattern where the verb 'cacher' acts as a prefix to describe an object's function, much like 'cache-nez' for a scarf used to hide the nose.
Examples in context
- Je cherche mes cache-oreilles bleus.I am looking for my blue earmuffs.
- Elle porte des cache-oreilles en laine.She is wearing wool earmuffs.
- N'oublie pas tes cache-oreilles pour sortir.Don't forget your earmuffs to go outside.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are getting ready to go outside in winter.
- GabrielLéa, as-tu vu mes cache-oreilles ?Léa, have you seen my earmuffs?
- LéaOui, ils sont sur la table.Yes, they are on the table.
- GabrielMerci, je ne peux pas sortir sans eux.Thanks, I can't go out without them.
- LéaC'est vrai, il gèle aujourd'hui !That's true, it's freezing today!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cache-oreilles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
