justaucorps
/ʒys.to.kɔʁ/masculine
The French word for leotard is justaucorps.
In a modern context, justaucorps specifically refers to the one-piece garment worn by gymnasts or ballet dancers.
Meaning: skin-tight one piece suit of clothing (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
justaucorps is an invariable noun, meaning its spelling does not change in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒys.to.kɔʁ/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While justaucorps now describes a skin-tight suit, it was once a symbol of masculinity and nobility worn by men at the court of Louis XIV.
- The word justaucorps literally translates to 'just to the body', suggesting a garment that fits perfectly to one's physique.
- While a ballet dancer wears a justaucorps, a person wearing a standard athletic leotard might simply use the English word 'leotard' in a French gym.
Examples in context
- J'adore ton body, il est vraiment élégant.I love your leotard, it is really elegant.
- Son justaucorps est rose.Her leotard is pink.
- Il a acheté un nouveau justaucorps.He bought a new leotard.
- Le justaucorps est très confortable.The leotard is very comfortable.
Example conversation
At a gymnastics training center.
- ManonTon justaucorps est très beau, Lucas.Your leotard is very beautiful, Lucas.
- LucasMerci, Manon. C'est un cadeau.Thanks, Manon. It is a gift.
- ManonIl te va très bien.It fits you very well.
- LucasOui, il est très souple.Yes, it is very flexible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leotard” translations and entries justaucorps, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries justaucorps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
