lierre
/ljɛʁ/masculine
The French word for ivy is lierre.
The word lierre refers to the plant of the genus Hedera.
Meaning: plant of the genus Hedera (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lierre is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ljɛʁ/
Did you know?
- The word lierre is a linguistic accident caused by how people spoke. It was originally 'l'iere', but speakers mistakenly thought the 'l' was part of the word itself, effectively re-packaging the article into the noun.
- In French folklore, lierre is sometimes associated with immortality and eternal bonding because of its evergreen leaves and clinging nature.
- In French literature, the image of lierre is frequently used as a metaphor for a suffocating or obsessive love that clings too tightly.
Examples in context
- Ziri veut du lierre.Ziri wants ivy.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for lierre.Tatoeba #12495009 by always, translation #10677583 by Amastan
- Ziri aime le lierre.Ziri likes ivy.This sentence is useful for expressing an affection for lierre.Tatoeba #12495011 by always, translation #10677618 by Amastan
- Ziri déteste le lierre.Ziri hates ivy.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for lierre.Tatoeba #12495006 by always, translation #10677564 by Amastan
- Le lierre est une plante grimpante courante dans les jardins français.Ivy is a common climbing plant in French gardens.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking at the garden walls.
- HugoRegarde ce beau lierre sur la maison.Look at this beautiful ivy on the house.
- EmmaOui, le lierre est magnifique ici.Yes, the ivy is magnificent here.
- HugoEst-ce que tu veux en planter ?Do you want to plant some?
- EmmaNon, je préfère les fleurs.No, I prefer flowers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ivy” translations and entries lierre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lierre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
