Serviette (en. Towel)

/sɛʁ.vjɛt/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Fabric used to wipe the mouth and hands during a meal.

Each guest has a folded towel on their plate.

Chaque convive a une serviette pliée sur son assiette.

Device made of paper or fabric placed on the lap to avoid staining clothes.

He placed his towel on his lap before starting to eat.

Il a mis sa serviette sur ses genoux avant de commencer à manger.

In some countries, can refer to a bath towel.

After swimming, she wrapped a towel around her body.

Après la baignade, elle a enroulé une serviette autour de son corps.

From old French 'serviette', derived from the verb 'servir' indicating the idea of serving at the table.

paper towel

Towel made of disposable paper.

serviette en papier

to set a towel

Placing a towel on the lap or around the neck.

mettre une serviette

beach towel

Fabric used to dry off after swimming.

serviette de plage

dishcloth

Fabric used to dry dishes.

torchon

wipe

Fabric used to wipe oneself or clean something.

essuie

tablecloth

Fabric used to cover a table during meals.

nappe

Slang term for a bath towel.

He forgot his towel after swimming; he's stuck.

Il a oublié sa serviette après la baignade, il est coincé.

Used to refer to someone who wipes away mistakes or errors.

He's like a towel; he's always cleaning up the mess.

Il est comme une serviette, il nettoie toujours les dégâts.