étable

stable

noun ay-TABL Rare

Origin: Latin stabulum

Usage Note

Étable refers specifically to a barn for cattle, as distinct from écurie (stable for horses) or bergerie (for sheep). The Nativity scene in French is traditionally set in an étable, making the word culturally familiar.

Examples

"Les vaches dorment dans l'étable."

Natural Translation

The cows sleep in the stable.

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