lance
/lɑ̃s/feminine
The French word for lance is lance.
lance refers to a weapon of war.
Meaning: weapon of war (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so the definite article used is la instead of le (e.g., la lance).
How do you pronounce it?
/lɑ̃s/
Did you know?
- In modern French, une lance often refers to a fire hose nozzle. Firefighters use the term lance à incendie to describe the equipment used to direct water.
- While lance is a weapon, in French, the verb lancer means 'to throw', a connection used in many sports and games.
- Unlike English, where 'lance' is almost exclusively a weapon, the French lance can be used in biology to describe the pointed shape of certain leaves, known as lancéolée.
Examples in context
- Voici une lance.This is a lance.Tatoeba #11603929 by Adrien_FR, translation #10360256 by AlanF_US
- La reconstitution historique comprend un chevalier avec une lance.The historical reenactment includes a knight with a lance.
- Il brandissait fièrement sa pique lors de la parade.He proudly waved his lance during the parade.
- Le chevalier porte une lance.The knight carries a lance.
- La lance est cassée.The lance is broken.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are looking at an old exhibit in a museum.
- EmmaRegarde cette lance ancienne.Look at this ancient lance.
- GabrielElle est vraiment impressionnante.It is truly impressive.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est une lance de chevalier ?Is it a knight's lance?
- GabrielOui, c'est une arme de guerre.Yes, it is a weapon of war.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lance” translations and entries lance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
