What does zouave mean?
A zouave was originally a soldier in a French light-infantry force recruited in Algeria and recognizable by a distinctive uniform with a short jacket, elaborate braid, and tasselled fez. The term later came to describe volunteer soldiers and units modeled on those French troops, notably during the American Civil War. It also survives in the name “zouave jacket,” referring to a close-fitting, decorated jacket inspired by military dress. Although no modern army uses the label as a regular designation, zouave remains familiar through military history, historical illustration, reenactment, and fashion. It can carry a strong historical or picturesque association, making it especially effective when describing colorful uniforms and nineteenth-century combat imagery.
nounOriginally, a member of a French light infantry regiment recruited in Algeria and wearing a distinctive uniform; by extension, a soldier in a similar volunteer unit, especially during the American Civil War.
- A member of a French light-infantry regiment originally recruited in Algeria and distinguished by a braided, open-front uniform and a tasselled fez.
- A soldier belonging to a volunteer regiment, especially in the American Civil War, that adopted the uniform or fighting style associated with French zouaves.
- A short, close-fitting jacket, especially one with a flared waist and decorative braid, whose design derives from military uniforms.
"The regiment marched through the town in the brightly braided uniform of a zouave."
"A zouave in a red fez and blue jacket stood at the entrance to the camp."
"Her embroidered zouave jacket was fastened with a row of gilt buttons."
The standard plural adds -s and is used for both individual soldiers and, collectively, units or members of a zouave force.
"Two zouaves guarded the entrance to the officers' tent."
A zouave jacket preserves the silhouette of a 19th-century soldier who fought in a short, open-front uniform festooned with braid.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zouave
The English word entered through French during the 19th century. French had borrowed the term from Arabic, with the related Arabic plural form zawāwī, and used it for North African troops in French service. European military usage subsequently spread the word to troops wearing comparable uniforms, including units in the American Civil War; related forms include Italian zuavo and Spanish zuafo.
Related word forms
How zouave is actually used
In contemporary English, the word is chiefly historical or descriptive of a uniform. The American Civil War sense is especially familiar in the United States, where many volunteer regiments used Zouave-style uniforms despite not being composed of French troops.
Easily confused with zouave
Suave means politely confident or sophisticated in manner, whereas a zouave is a member of a historically distinctive light-infantry force.
Zoave is an occasional spelling variant of zouave, not a separate kind of soldier.