Skip to content

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.

Explore French by topic