Skip to content

mire

sight (on a weapon)

noun MEER Rare
Communication

Also means

test card (TV)

Usage Note

Mire has two distinct uses: the point de mire is the aiming point of a firearm and, figuratively, the focus of attention ('être le point de mire' means 'to be the centre of attention'). In television technology, la mire is the test pattern broadcast on a channel when no programme is airing.

Examples

"Il était le point de mire de tous les regards."

Natural Translation

He was the focus of everyone's gaze.

Literal Translation

He was the point of aim of all gazes.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic