Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| courtepointe | /kuʁ.tə.pwɛ̃t/ | archaic, feminine |
| édredon | /e.dʁə.dɔ̃/ | masculine |
| couette | /kwɛt/ | feminine |
In French, the term used depends on whether you are referring to a traditional stitched textile, a modern lightweight duvet or a heavy padded covering. To describe the act of constructing a quilt or adding padding to fabric, you can use the verbs matelasser or ouater, with matelasser being the most common way to describe the process of quilting or padding.
Which one should you use?
While courtepointe refers to a traditional quilted bed covering, the standard modern word for a duvet or comforter used in everyday French is couette. If you are referring specifically to a thick and often heavy quilted bed covering, use édredon.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Couette is a feminine noun, so it is used with feminine articles such as une or feminine demonstrative adjectives like cette. Édredon is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word courtepointe has three syllables and is pronounced /kuʁ.tə.pwɛ̃t/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word couette is used to describe both a duvet and a 'ponytail' hairstyle.
- The term courtepointe is composed of the words court for 'short' and pointe for 'point' or 'stitch', reflecting the technique of sewing short stitches to hold the padding.
- The word édredon has its roots in the North Germanic word for 'eider', a type of sea duck. It is believed to be a combination of the Danish 'edder' for the duck and 'dun' for the soft down feathers used in the padding.
Examples in context
- Cette couette est très chaude.This quilt is very warm.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe the warmth of a couette.Tatoeba #9936570 by lbdx, translation #9019114 by CK
- J'ai acheté une splendide couverture matelassée lors de mon dernier voyage à Paris.I bought a splendid quilted blanket during my last trip to Paris.
- Ma grand-mère m'a transmis cet édredon magnifique et précieux.My grandmother passed down this beautiful and precious quilt to me.
- J'ai cousu cette courtepointe pour ma sœur en utilisant différents morceaux de tissu.I sewed this quilt for my sister using various fabric scraps.
- J'ai offert ce magnifique patchwork à mon amie qui adore les motifs colorés.I gave this beautiful quilt to my friend who loves colorful patterns.
- Une vieille courtepointe est sur le lit.An old quilt is on the bed.
- Elle a confectionné une jolie courtepointe.She made a pretty quilt.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking at an antique in a shop.
- LéaRegarde cette belle courtepointe ancienne.Look at this beautiful antique quilt.
- NathanElle est vraiment magnifique, Léa.It is truly magnificent, Léa.
- LéaEst-ce qu'elle est trop chère ?Is it too expensive?
- NathanJe pense qu'elle est abordable.I think it is affordable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quilt” translations and entries courtepointe, édredon, couette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries couette, édredon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
