rime
/ʁim/
The English word rhyme translates to French as rime.
The noun rime refers to the sameness of letters or sounds in parts of words, such as in a poem.
Meaning: rhyming, sameness of letters or sounds of some parts of words, as ‘the poem exhibits rhyme’ (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁim/
Did you know?
- The most famous French poetic form, the sonnet, traditionally requires a strict alternating pattern of rimes masculines and rimes féminines to maintain a specific musical rhythm.
- French has a specialized term, rime embrassée, which describes an interlocking rhyme scheme (ABBA) that literally means 'embracing rhyme'.
- In French poetry, poets distinguish between rime riche, rime suffisante and rime pauvre based on how many sounds they share, even though all three technically 'rhyme'.
Examples in context
- Ces mots ne riment pas.Those words don't rhyme.Tatoeba #12321049 by lbdx, translation #6017268 by mailohilohi
- Quelles sottises, ce que tu dis rime comme hallebarde et miséricorde.What nonsense, there's no rhyme nor reason to what you're saying.Tatoeba #7591762 by Micsmithel, translation #11817235 by calypsow
- L'oreille n'est pas très satisfaite de cette rime.The ear is not very satisfied with this rhyme.Tatoeba #992316 by hundo, translation #10667285 by samir_t
- La rime est un élément essentiel de la poésie.Rhyme is an essential element of poetry.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are writing a poem together.
- NathanCette rime est parfaite pour ce poème.This rhyme is perfect for this poem.
- ManonTu as raison, Nathan. C'est très mélodique.You are right, Nathan. It is very melodic.
- NathanVeux-tu trouver une autre rime pour le vers suivant ?Do you want to find another rhyme for the next line?
- ManonOui, Manon va t'aider à chercher.Yes, Manon will help you look.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rime, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
