haut-de-forme
/o.d(ə).fɔʁm/
The French word for top hat is haut-de-forme.
A top hat is a cylindrical hat. You can refer to this item as haut-de-forme or, in more formal contexts, chapeau haut-de-forme.
Meaning: cylindrical hat (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term haut-de-forme literally translates to 'high of form', referring to the tall shape of the hat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is used with the indefinite article un, as in un haut-de-forme.
How do you pronounce it?
/o.d(ə).fɔʁm/
Did you know?
- While a haut-de-forme is formal, the French use the term chapeau melon for a bowler hat. The word melon is used because the hat's rounded shape resembles the fruit.
- French etiquette once dictated that a man must remove his haut-de-forme completely when entering a room or greeting a lady, whereas other hats could be merely tipped.
- The word forme inside haut-de-forme refers to the rigid physical mold used during the manufacturing process to ensure the cylinder remains perfectly straight.
Examples in context
- Il portait un chapeau haut-de-forme et un monocle.He wore a top hat and a monocle.This sentence shows the use of haut-de-forme to describe what someone was wearing.Tatoeba #1902606 by sacredceltic, translation #1894197 by Spamster
- Il cherche son haut-de-forme pour la soirée.He is looking for his top hat for the evening.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are preparing for a costume party.
- HugoManon, est-ce que tu vois mon haut-de-forme ?Manon, do you see my top hat?
- ManonNon, je ne vois pas ton haut-de-forme.No, I don't see your top hat.
- HugoAh, il est sur le lit !Ah, it is on the bed!
- ManonParfait, tu es prêt pour la fête.Perfect, you are ready for the party.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry haut-de-forme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
