mannequin
/man.kɛ̃/
The English phrase "runway model" is translated into French as mannequin.
The term refers to a professional person who wears clothes to show them to an audience during a fashion show.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mannequin is a masculine noun, even when it is used to refer to a female model. Additionally, the formal form mannequin de défilé is masculine. The informal term top model is both masculine and feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /man.kɛ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume mannequin refers only to a plastic dummy in a shop window. However, in French, it is the standard term for a professional fashion model.
Did you know?
- The word mannequin is actually a diminutive, originating from the Middle Dutch word 'manneken' which means 'little man'.
- While English has separate words for a fashion model and a store dummy, French uses mannequin for both.
- While mannequin is the standard term, the English loanword top model is used in France to distinguish elite supermodels from the general professional population.
Examples in context
- Les mannequins de défilé sont des professionnels talentueux qui présentent les nouvelles collections de nos créateurs de mode préférés.Runway models are talented professionals who showcase the new collections of our favorite fashion designers.
- Les top models défilent lors des fashion weeks à Paris, Milan et New York.Runway models walk during fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York.
- Elle travaille comme mannequin pour de grandes marques.She works as a runway model for big brands.
- Ce mannequin défile pour la nouvelle collection.This runway model is walking for the new collection.
- Le mannequin porte une robe magnifique.The runway model is wearing a magnificent dress.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a fashion magazine at a cafe.
- EmmaTu connais ce mannequin sur la couverture ?Do you know this runway model on the cover?
- LucasOui, il est très célèbre en ce moment.Yes, he is very famous right now.
- EmmaIl a un style très moderne.He has a very modern style.
- LucasC'est vrai, il est très élégant.That's true, he is very elegant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mannequin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mannequin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
