mêlée
/mɛ.le/
The English word scrum can be translated into French as mêlée.
The term mêlée is used to describe a disorganized, tightly packed crowd of people or a physical brawl.
Meaning: a tightly packed and disorderly crowd of people (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /mɛ.le/.
Did you know?
- The English word 'melee' is actually a direct loanword from the French mêlée. While English uses it primarily for fights or chaos, French uses it as a standard term in rugby to describe a scrum.
- Because mêlée is the feminine past participle of mêler, it literally describes a state of being 'mixed' or 'mingled' rather than just a crowd.
- Beyond sports and fights, French speakers use mêlée to describe the confusing social mixing of different classes or groups of people in a shared space.
Examples in context
- Nous utilisons la méthode Scrum pour gérer ce projet.We are using the Scrum Method to manage this project.
- La mêlée des supporters était impressionnante.The scrum of supporters was impressive.
- Il a dû traverser une mêlée pour sortir.He had to push through a crowd to get out.
- Une mêlée s'est formée devant l'entrée.A disorganized crowd formed in front of the entrance.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are at a crowded concert entrance.
- GabrielRegarde cette mêlée pour entrer !Look at this scrum to get in!
- ChloéC'est terrible, on ne peut pas passer.It's terrible, we can't get through.
- GabrielOn devrait essayer de contourner la mêlée.We should try to go around the scrum.
- ChloéBonne idée, Chloé, allons par là.Good idea, Chloé, let's go that way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mêlée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
