lévrier
/le.vʁi.je/masculine
The English word 'greyhound' is translated into French as lévrier. Wiktionary also lists levrette.
Meaning: lean breed of dog used in hunting and racing (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lévrier | /le.vʁi.je/ | masculine |
| levrette | /lə.vʁɛt/ | feminine |
The term refers to the lean breed of dog used for hunting and racing.
Which one should you use?
The feminine form levrette is used specifically to refer to a female greyhound.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form levrette is used to denote a female greyhound.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /le.vʁi.je/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In modern French slang, levrette is used to describe a specific sexual position, meaning the term is rarely used for dogs in casual conversation to avoid double entendres.
- While lévrier describes the breed, the word shares its roots with the French word for hare, lièvre.
- In French literature, the lévrier is often used as a symbol of nobility and aristocracy due to its long history in royal hunting courts.
Examples in context
- J'ai un magnifique lévrier à la maison.I have a magnificent greyhound at home.
- Ce lévrier est très rapide.This greyhound is very fast.
- Le lévrier est un chien fin.The greyhound is a slender dog.
- Il possède un beau lévrier.He owns a beautiful greyhound.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are walking in a park.
- HugoRegarde ce grand lévrier !Look at that big greyhound!
- LéaIl est vraiment élégant, Hugo.He is truly elegant, Hugo.
- HugoOui, il court très vite.Yes, he runs very fast.
- LéaC'est impressionnant à voir.It is impressive to see.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “greyhound” translations and entries lévrier, levrette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries levrette, lévrier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
