nœud
/nø/masculine
The English word 'knot' is translated into French as nœud.
The term nœud refers to a looping structure. A common specific usage is the phrase nœud papillon, which literally means 'butterfly knot' and is the standard way to say 'bow tie' in French. To describe the action of forming a knot or tying something, you should use the related verb nouer.
Meaning: looping (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word nœud is a masculine noun. Its plural form is nœuds.
How do you pronounce it?
/nø/
Did you know?
- The word nœud is a doublet of the English word 'knout', which refers to a heavy whip. Both words trace their origins back to the same Latin root meaning 'to bind'.
- The word nœud shares the same root as the English word 'node' used in mathematics and computing.
- The spelling of nœud features a ligature where the 'o' and 'e' are joined, a typographic remnant of its Latin origin nōdus.
Examples in context
- Tom resserra le nœud.Tom tightened the knot.This sentence shows how to use nœud when describing tightening a knot.Tatoeba #3714939 by Sisyphe, translation #2645752 by CK
- Tu dois serrer le nœud.You must tighten the knot.This sentence shows how to use nœud when giving an instruction to tighten a knot.Tatoeba #8008166 by Aiji, translation #3823218 by CK
- Je ne parviens pas à défaire ce nœud.I can't untie this knot.This sentence shows how to use nœud when expressing the inability to untie a knot.Tatoeba #4915612 by sacredceltic, translation #2266912 by _undertoad
- Attends, j'ai un nœud à faire.Wait, I need to tie a knot.
- Un nœud est un symbole puissant de la vie, il représente la rencontre des chemins.A knot is a powerful symbol of life, it represents the meeting of paths.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are preparing for a hiking trip.
- ChloéVérifie ton nœud avant de partir.Check your knot before leaving.
- HugoOui, j'ai fait un nœud très solide.Yes, I made a very strong knot.
- ChloéC'est parfait, le nœud tient bien.It's perfect, the knot holds well.
- HugoOn peut y aller maintenant.We can go now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knot” translations and entries nœud, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nœud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
