Skip to content

cambrer

to arch

verb kahm-BREH Rare
Body & Health Movement

Origin: from cambre (curved)

Also means

to curve

Usage Note

Cambrer means to curve or arch a surface, most commonly the back; se cambrer ('to arch one's back') is the reflexive form used in dance, gymnastics, and everyday posture descriptions. The related adjective cambré describes someone with a pronounced arch in the lower back.

Examples

"La danseuse se cambrait élégamment sur scène."

Natural Translation

The dancer arched her back elegantly on stage.

Literal Translation

the dancer herself-arched elegantly on stage

Explore French by topic