sablier
hourglass
noun sah-blee-EH Rare
Origin: from sable (sand) + -ier (instrument suffix)
Also means
sand timer
Usage Note
Sablier is the classic sand-filled glass used to measure short intervals of time. It is masculine, and les sabliers are still common as kitchen timers. The word also names an hourglass-shaped body silhouette in fashion contexts.
Examples
"Le sablier est retourné depuis deux minutes."
Natural Translation
The hourglass has been turned over for two minutes.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
7 min read