maille
/maj/
In French, the word for mesh is maille.
In the context of a physical structure, maille refers to a single loop or a single unit of a mesh pattern.
Meaning: structure (noun)
Which one should you use?
While maille refers to an individual loop or unit, maillage is the more common term for the entire mesh structure or network itself.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/maj/
Did you know?
- The word maille can refer to a specific size of mesh used in fishing nets, which is strictly regulated by French maritime law to protect small fish.
- In French fashion, the term maille is often used as a collective noun to refer to 'knitwear' rather than just a physical mesh.
- Because of its connection to 'loops', the term maille is used in French to describe the individual links in a chainmail armor.
Examples in context
- La matraque du gardien frappa dans l'air, déséquilibré, il se rétablit pour voir une poubelle en maille métallique voler dans sa direction.The guard's truncheon hit air. Off balance, he regained his posture to see a metal-mesh rubbish bin flying towards him.This sentence shows how maille is used to describe the material of a metal-mesh bin.Tatoeba #845853 by hortusdei, translation #327511 by AlanF_US
- Ce pull est fait de mailles finesThis sweater is made of fine mesh.
- Cette robe est faite d'un tissu en filetThis dress is made of a mesh fabric.
- Ce tissage à mailles est très complexeThis mesh weaving is very intricate.
- Les poissons sont capturés dans un filetThe fish are caught in a mesh.
- J'ai réparé le grillage du jardinI repaired the garden mesh.
- Les racines des arbres forment des mailles entrelacées sous terreThe tree roots form interlaced mesh underground.
- Le filet de pêche possède une maille très serrée.The fishing net has a very tight mesh.
- Cette structure en maille est assez résistante.This mesh structure is quite resistant.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are looking at a piece of equipment in a garden.
- GabrielEst-ce que cette maille est assez solide ?Is this mesh strong enough?
- ManonOui, Gabriel, elle semble très robuste.Yes, Gabriel, it seems very robust.
- GabrielParfait, on peut l'utiliser pour le jardin.Perfect, we can use it for the garden.
- ManonJe vais l'installer tout de suite.I will install it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
