noisette
/nwa.zɛt/
The English word "hazel" can be translated into French as noisette.
Meaning: colour (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word noisette literally means "hazelnut".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective for eye color, noisette is invariable and does not change for gender or number. The color noisette remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /nwa.zɛt/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In French cooking, the term beurre noisette refers to 'brown butter' that has been heated until it smells like toasted hazelnuts. Even though it contains no actual nuts, it is named after the color and scent of noisette.
- In a culinary context, une noisette de beurre refers to a small knob of butter rather than the flavor of the butter. It is a common way to describe the portion size needed for a pan.
- The suffix -ette in noisette is a diminutive, which turns the word noix (nut) into a 'little nut'.
Examples in context
- Elle a les yeux noisette.She has hazel eyes.This sentence is useful for describing someone's eye color using noisette.Tatoeba #4758572 by sacredceltic, translation #2342651 by Hybrid
- Je porte des lentilles de couleur noisette aujourd'hui.I am wearing hazel-colored contact lenses today.
- Elle porte une robe couleur noisette.She is wearing a hazel-colored dress.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at home decor in a shop.
- GabrielTu aimes ce coussin noisette ?Do you like this hazel cushion?
- LéaOui, il irait très bien avec ton fauteuil.Yes, it would go very well with your armchair.
- GabrielJe pense que la couleur est jolie.I think the color is pretty.
- LéaC'est vrai, c'est très élégant.It's true, it is very elegant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry noisette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries noisette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
