voile

veil

noun VWAHL Less Common

Also means

sail (nautical)

Usage Note

Voile is a gender-distinguished homograph: le voile (m) is a veil or thin cloth, while la voile (f) is a sail or the sport of sailing (faire de la voile). Context and article signal the difference. Le voile islamique refers specifically to the Islamic headscarf in French public debate.

Examples

"Elle portait un voile blanc pour la cérémonie."

Natural Translation

She wore a white veil for the ceremony.

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