défilé
/de.fi.le/masculine
The French word for parade is défilé.
défilé refers to a public procession. In the context of a parade, a float or cart used is called a chariot.
Meaning: public procession (noun)
Which one should you use?
While défilé is used for a parade or procession, the French word parade itself often refers to a display of something or a specific type of exhibition or showcase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of défilé is défilés, created by adding an 's' to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /de.fi.le/ and has three syllables.
When do people say it?
Note that if you are referring to a more solemn or funeral procession, the word cortège is often used instead of défilé.
Did you know?
- The word défilé describes both a public procession and a narrow mountain pass because both require people to move in a single file line.
- While an English speaker says 'parade' for a celebration, using the French word parade often implies someone is 'showing off' or being boastful.
- The word défilé comes from the verb défiler, which literally means to leave a line or to walk away in a file.
Examples in context
- Quel beau défilé militaire !What a nice military parade!This sentence uses défilé to express admiration for a military parade.Tatoeba #8317286 by Julien_PDC, translation #13714284 by zogwarg
- Une multitude de personnes se réunirent pour voir le défilé.A crowd of people gathered to see the parade.This sentence uses défilé to describe people gathering to watch a procession.Tatoeba #7416455 by Rockaround, translation #2258082 by _undertoad
- Le ministre de la défense a été exécuté à la mitrailleuse anti-aérienne pour s'être endormi lors d'un défilé militaire.The minister of defense was executed by anti-aircraft machine gun fire for falling asleep during a military parade.This sentence uses défilé in a context involving a military parade.Tatoeba #9420765 by Micsmithel, translation #7023086 by shekitten
- La ville de Paris organise un grand défilé militaire chaque 14 juillet.The city of Paris organizes a large military parade every July 14th.
- Nous avons assisté à une parade fantastique ce week-end !We attended a fantastic parade this weekend!
- La ville de Nice organise une magnifique cavalcade pendant le carnaval.The city of Nice organizes a magnificent cavalcade during the carnival.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are watching a festive street event.
- GabrielRegarde ce beau défilé !Look at this beautiful parade!
- ChloéOui, les couleurs sont magnifiques.Yes, the colors are magnificent.
- GabrielEst-ce que le défilé est fini ?Is the parade finished?
- ChloéNon, il reste encore des groupes.No, there are still groups left.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “parade” translations and entries défilé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
