What does poudre mean?
Poudre is a specialized English noun for cosmetic powder, especially the loose powder applied to the face after foundation or concealer to set makeup, reduce shine, or create a smoother-looking finish. The word is chiefly American and is less common in everyday English than face powder or setting powder, but it preserves the spelling of the French word from which it was borrowed. It is usually treated as a mass noun when referring to the cosmetic product, although plural forms can occur when different types or shades are discussed. Poudre may also retain a faintly luxurious or old-fashioned tone because of its French appearance and its association with traditional cosmetics. Its pronunciation reflects the French source, with the first syllable stressed and a long /u/ sound, rather than the diphthong found in powder. For readers looking for the familiar English term, face powder generally communicates the same meaning more directly.
nounA cosmetic powder, especially one applied to the face to set makeup, absorb shine, or give the skin a smoother appearance.
- A cosmetic powder, especially one used on the face to set makeup or reduce shine.
"She applied a light layer of poudre to set her makeup."
"She dusted a light layer of poudre over her foundation."
"The package described the product as poudre, although the retailer simply called it face powder."
The plural is uncommon and is used when referring to multiple cosmetic powders or distinct varieties.
"The shop offered poudres in several different shades."
A French word with an English accent: poudre is the elegant label for the powder that sets makeup.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does poudre come from?
Poudre entered English from French, where it continues to mean powder. The French word developed from Old French poudre, which ultimately derives from Latin pulvis, meaning dust or powder, with the related genitive pulveris explaining the form pulverize. English cognates such as powder, pulverize, pulverous, and pulverulent preserve this Latin root.
How poudre is actually used
Poudre is a specialized and comparatively uncommon term in English, chiefly associated with cosmetics. In general usage, face powder or setting powder is more natural.
Easily confused with poudre
Poudre is a chiefly American term for cosmetic powder, while powder is the ordinary English word for any substance composed of fine particles.