moulin à vent
/mu.lɛ̃ a vɑ̃/masculine
The English word windmill is translated into French as moulin à vent.
Meaning: structure (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of moulin (mill), à (for/with) and vent (wind), literally meaning "mill for wind".
Which one should you use?
While moulin can refer to any type of mill, such as a water mill, moulin à vent specifically specifies that it is a windmill.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/mu.lɛ̃ a vɑ̃/
Did you know?
- In French, the word moulin is used in the expression moulin à paroles, which describes someone who talks incessantly without saying anything of substance.
- The famous cabaret Moulin Rouge in Paris uses the word for mill because its name translates to 'Red Mill', referring to the large windmill that once stood on its site.
- While moulin à vent refers to the building, the specific mechanism that catches the wind is called les ailes, which translates to 'the wings'.
Examples in context
- Il y a un moulin à vent sur la colline.There is a windmill on the hill.This sentence shows the use of moulin à vent in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #3260274 by Aiji, translation #3260275 by CM
- Les moulins à vent ont joué un rôle important dans l'histoire de la France.Windmills have played an important role in the history of France.
- J'ai vu un vieux moulin pendant ma promenade à la campagne.I saw an old windmill during my countryside walk.
- Ce vieux moulin à vent est magnifique.This old windmill is magnificent.
- Le moulin à vent tourne dans le jardin.The windmill turns in the garden.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are walking through a countryside park.
- ManonRegarde ce grand moulin à vent, Gabriel.Look at that big windmill, Gabriel.
- GabrielOui, il est vraiment impressionnant.Yes, it is truly impressive.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il fonctionne encore ?Does it still work?
- GabrielJe pense que c'est seulement une décoration.I think it is only a decoration.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “windmill” translations and entries moulin à vent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
