ruban

ribbon, tape

noun roo-BAHN Rare

Origin: Of uncertain origin; possibly from Dutch roband (rope band).

Usage Note

Ruban covers decorative ribbon (un ruban dans les cheveux), adhesive tape (ruban adhésif), and figurative uses such as le Ruban rouge (the red ribbon, symbol of HIV awareness). The Ordre du Ruban Bleu referred to the Blue Riband for ocean liner speed records.

Examples

"Elle a noué un ruban dans ses cheveux."

Natural Translation

She tied a ribbon in her hair.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

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

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Telling Time in French: Hours, Quarters, 24-Hour

Telling time in French means Il est cinq heures, et quart, et demie, and the 24-hour clock like quatorze heures trente. Read any French schedule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French False Friends: 25 Faux Amis to Avoid

French false friends look like English words but mean something else: actuellement is not actually, sensible means sensitive. Here are 25 faux amis to avoid.

June 3, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Tu vs Vous: When to Use Each in French

Tu vs vous in French: use tu for one friend, family, or child, and vous for strangers, elders, your boss, and any group. A clear etiquette guide.

June 3, 2026 6 min read