sorbier

rowan tree

noun sor-bee-EH Rare

Origin: from Old French sorbe, the fruit of the rowan

Also means

mountain ash

Usage Note

Sorbier refers to the rowan or mountain ash tree (Sorbus genus), well known in French countryside for its clusters of bright red or orange berries in autumn. The berries (les sorbes) are used in jams and liqueurs in certain regions. Not to be confused with sorbier des oiseleurs, the specific bird-catcher's rowan prized by traditional hunters.

Examples

"Le sorbier est couvert de baies rouges en automne."

Natural Translation

The rowan tree is covered with red berries in autumn.

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

French Noun Gender: Rules to Guess Right 80%

Guess French noun gender right 80% of the time using word endings: -age, -ment, -eau are masculine; -tion, -té, -ette are feminine. A high-yield system.

June 3, 2026 5 min read

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

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Filler Words: Euh, Bah, Du Coup, Quoi

French filler words like euh, bah, du coup, and quoi make you sound fluent, not lazy. Learn what each one does, where it goes, and how to use them naturally.

June 4, 2026 6 min read