laverie
/la.vʁi/
The French word for laundromat is laverie.
The word laverie refers to a public place equipped with machines where people can wash and dry their clothes, typically using coins.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the verb laver (to wash) and the suffix -ie, which is used to denote a place or an establishment, making the word literally mean a laundry room or laundry place.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between laverie and buanderie. While laverie specifically refers to a public self-service laundry, buanderie is the term often used for a laundry room located within a private home.
How does it change in a sentence?
laverie is a feminine noun. When used with a definite article, it becomes la laverie (the laundromat).
How do you pronounce it?
/la.vʁi/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word laverie can also refer to an industrial facility used for washing ores or minerals in mining.
- In France, the traditional communal washing place was called a lavoir, a stone basin where women gathered to wash clothes by hand and socialize.
- The word laverie shares its root with the English word 'lavatory', even though they now refer to very different things.
Examples in context
- Tom est allé à la laverie.Tom went to the laundromat.This sentence shows how to use laverie to describe someone going to the laundromat.Tatoeba #7562595 by tras, translation #7544621 by CK
- Il y a une laverie dans le sous-sol de notre immeuble.There's a laundromat in the basement of our apartment building.This sentence demonstrates using laverie to describe the location of a laundromat within an apartment building.Tatoeba #11227748 by lbdx, translation #3316618 by CK
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire où se trouve la laverie automatique la plus proche?Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest laundromat is?
- Je recherche une buanderie automatique pour laver mes vêtementsI am looking for a self-service laundry to wash my clothes
- Je dois aller à la laverie ce soir.I have to go to the laundromat tonight.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend chores.
- NathanTu as fini tes devoirs, Manon ?Have you finished your homework, Manon?
- ManonNon, je dois d'abord aller à la laverie.No, I have to go to the laundromat first.
- NathanEst-ce que la laverie est ouverte ?Is the laundromat open?
- ManonOui, elle est ouverte jusqu'à tard.Yes, it is open until late.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry laverie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laverie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
