pointe
/pwɛ̃t/
pointe is the French word for the ballet term 'pointe'.
In a ballet context, the phrase 'en pointe' is used to describe dancing on the tips of the toes.
Meaning: ballet position (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/pwɛ̃t/
Did you know?
- The English word 'punctuation' and the French word pointe both stem from the concept of a 'prick' or a 'small mark'.
- In French professional kitchens, a pointe de couteau is a common measurement. It literally means 'a knife point' and refers to a tiny pinch of an ingredient.
- French fencers use the term pointe to describe the tip of the foil or épée. To 'hit' an opponent with the tip is to touch them à la pointe.
Examples in context
- Elle danse sur pointe.She is dancing on pointe.
- Elle a besoin de nouvelles pointes.She needs new pointe shoes.
- La ballerine est en pointe.The ballerina is on pointe.
Example conversation
In a dance studio after class.
- GabrielEmma, est-ce que tu es en pointe ?Emma, are you on pointe?
- EmmaOui, mais mes pointes me font mal.Yes, but my pointe shoes hurt my feet.
- GabrielTu devrais changer de pointes, Emma.You should change your pointe shoes, Emma.
- EmmaTu as raison, Gabriel.You are right, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pointe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
