maillot de bain
/ma.jo d(ə) bɛ̃/masculine
The French word for swimsuit is maillot de bain.
maillot de bain is a masculine noun used to describe a garment worn for swimming. For specific styles, you can use bikini, which is widely understood and often used in French or deux-pièces to refer to a two-piece swimsuit.
Meaning: garment worn for swimming (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, maillot de bain translates to 'swim jersey' (maillot = jersey/swimsuit, de = of, bain = bath).
Which one should you use?
While maillot de bain is the general term for a swimsuit, maillot de bain deux pièces or bikini is used for two-piece swimsuits.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is formed by adding an 's' to 'maillot', while 'bain' remains singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.jo d(ə) bɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The word maillot comes from maille, which refers to the metal rings used in chainmail armor.
- In France, it is common practice to shower with your maillot de bain still on before entering a public swimming pool.
- The term maillot is also used in French to describe the jerseys worn by professional cyclists, such as the maillot jaune for the Tour de France leader.
Examples in context
- J'ai commandé ce maillot de bain en France.I ordered this swimsuit from France.This sentence shows how to use maillot de bain in the context of an order.Tatoeba #7295 by RaspaKrusto, translation #253516 by CN
- Elle a oublié d'emporter son maillot de bain.She forgot to bring her swimsuit.This sentence demonstrates the use of maillot de bain regarding a forgotten item.Tatoeba #5423253 by sacredceltic, translation #1777408 by Spamster
- Je porte mon maillot de bain sous mes vêtements.I'm wearing my swimsuit under my clothes.This sentence illustrates wearing a maillot de bain under other clothing.Tatoeba #2187113 by sacredceltic, translation #2182386 by Hybrid
- Je vais acheter un maillot de bain pour mes vacances.I am going to buy a swimsuit for my vacation.
- J'adore ton bikini, il est magnifique !I love your bikini, it's gorgeous!
- Elle porte un deux-pièces noir très élégant.She is wearing a very elegant black two-piece swimsuit.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are preparing for a day at the beach.
- ManonTu as pris ton maillot de bain, Lucas ?Did you take your swimsuit, Lucas?
- LucasOui, il est déjà dans mon sac.Yes, it is already in my bag.
- ManonParfait, n'oublie pas ta crème solaire.Perfect, don't forget your sunscreen.
- LucasJe l'ai, ne t'inquiète pas.I have it, don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swimsuit” translations and entries maillot de bain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bain, de, maillot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
