Baguette Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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baguette

[bรฆหˆษกษ›t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

French cuisine

A long, thin loaf of French bread that is often crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Baguettes are a staple of French cuisine and are typically enjoyed with butter, cheese, or as a base for sandwiches.

Synonyms

French bread, crusty bread, long loaf.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
baguette

Often used to refer specifically to the long, thin loaf of bread that is iconic in French cuisine. This is appropriate in contexts involving French culture, bakeries, or describing a specific type of bread.

  • I bought a fresh baguette from the bakery this morning
  • The restaurant serves delicious sandwiches with a perfect baguette
French bread

This term is useful when you want to refer to bread made in the French style but not necessarily a baguette. This could include other types of French loaves as well.

  • I prefer French bread for making garlic toast
  • The bakery offers a variety of French breads, including pain de campagne
long loaf

A general term that describes any elongated loaf of bread. This term is less specific and can be used in casual conversation to describe bread that is long in shape.

  • She baked a long loaf for the picnic
  • The long loaf of bread was perfect for making subs
crusty bread

Used when you want to emphasize the texture of the bread, specifically the hard, crunchy crust. This term is flexible and can apply to various types of bread, not just French baguettes.

  • I love dipping crusty bread into olive oil
  • The soup came with a slice of crusty bread

Examples of usage

  • I bought a fresh baguette from the bakery this morning.
  • Would you like a slice of baguette with your soup?
  • The baguette is a symbol of French culture and tradition.
Context #2 | Noun

Fashion

A slim, rectangular handbag, typically made of leather and designed to be carried under the arm. Baguettes are a popular accessory in the fashion world, known for their sleek and elegant design.

Synonyms

clutch, handbag, purse.

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Word Description / Examples
baguette

A rectangular or oval-shaped diamond cut, commonly used in jewelry.

  • She admired the sparkling baguette diamonds in her new ring.
  • The necklace was adorned with small baguette diamonds.
handbag

A medium to large-sized bag used by women to carry personal items, suitable for daily use.

  • She keeps her wallet, keys, and makeup in her handbag.
  • He bought her a designer handbag for her birthday.
purse

A small bag, often used interchangeably with 'handbag' in American English, to carry money, cards, and other personal items. In British English, a purse specifically refers to a small, typically zippered pouch used to carry money.

  • She reached into her purse to find some loose change.
  • Her new purse had several compartments for better organization.
clutch

A small, elegant purse typically held in the hand, often used for formal events or evenings out.

  • She carried a silver clutch to match her evening gown.
  • For the wedding, she chose a beaded clutch that complemented her dress.

Examples of usage

  • She carried a stylish baguette to the evening event.
  • The designer handbag collection featured several trendy baguettes.
  • Baguettes come in a variety of colors and materials.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • In France, the baguette must be made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt to meet legal standards.
  • Many families use baguettes as a staple part of their meals, often served with cheese, meats, or soups.

Cultural Significance

  • Baguettes are so beloved in France that there is an annual contest in Paris to find the best baguette maker.
  • In many cafรฉs, baguettes are associated with the tradition of enjoying leisurely breakfasts, often with coffee.

Global Influence

  • The popularity of baguettes has transcended borders, influencing bakery styles in countries around the world.
  • In the United States, particularly in cities like New York, croissants and baguettes have become essentials in French bakeries.

Baking Science

  • The unique texture of a baguette is achieved by high steam during baking, which creates a crispy crust.
  • The fermentation process plays a crucial role, as it develops the flavor and crumb structure of the bread.

Origin of 'baguette'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'baguette' in French means 'stick,' perfectly describing its long shape.
  • The term became popular in the early 20th century, though variations of long bread have existed for centuries.

The word 'baguette' originated in France and literally means 'wand' or 'baton'. It first appeared in the 18th century to refer to the long, thin loaf of bread that is now synonymous with French cuisine. The baguette has since become an iconic symbol of French culture and is enjoyed worldwide. In the fashion industry, the term 'baguette' was popularized by designer Fendi in the late 1990s with the launch of the Baguette handbag, which quickly became a coveted accessory among fashion enthusiasts.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,749 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.