couvercle
/ku.vɛʁkl/masculine
The French word for lid is couvercle.
couvercle is used to refer to a top or a cover.
Meaning: top or cover (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ku.vɛʁkl/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word couvercle shares its roots with the French verb couver, which means 'to hatch' or 'to brood' over an egg.
- French uses the term cloche instead of couvercle when referring to the silver lids used in high-end restaurants to keep food warm until it reaches the table.
- While couvercle is a lid for a pot, a lid for a jar or bottle is typically called a bouchon or couvercle à vis. Using couvercle for a small bottle cap can sound slightly unnatural to native speakers.
Examples in context
- Le couvercle est fermé.The lid is closed.This sentence demonstrates the use of couvercle to describe a closed lid.Tatoeba #4670100 by sacredceltic, translation #1898213 by CK
- J'ai ouvert le couvercle.I opened the lid.This sentence shows how to use couvercle when expressing that a lid has been opened.Tatoeba #11235169 by lbdx, translation #5852534 by CK
- Le couvercle ne veut pas s'enlever.The lid doesn't want to come off.This sentence illustrates a situation where a lid will not come off using couvercle.Tatoeba #937039 by sacredceltic, translation #3502187 by _undertoad
- Le couvercle de la boîteThe lid of the box
- Le couvercle de la casseroleThe lid of the saucepan
- Peux-tu me passer le couvercle de la boîte ?Can you pass me the lid of the box?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are in the kitchen looking for a container.
- EmmaOù est le couvercle de ce pot ?Where is the lid of this jar?
- NathanIl est sur la table.It is on the table.
- EmmaMerci, Nathan.Thanks, Nathan.
- NathanDe rien, Emma.You're welcome, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lid” translations and entries couvercle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries couvercle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
