bateau

noun

ba·​teau ba-ˈtō How to pronounce bateau (audio)
variants or less commonly batteau
plural bateaux ba-ˈtō(z) How to pronounce bateau (audio) also batteaux
: any of various small craft
especially : a flat-bottomed boat with raked bow and stern and flaring sides

Examples of bateau in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The model and reality television star wore an ivory minidress featuring a bateau neckline and three-quarter sleeves with a corset-like fit at the waist. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 26 June 2023 The bateau cut, a neckline Meghan Markle often wears, conveys elegance without any extra embellishments. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Mar. 2023 In fact, Smith was practically raised on a bateau thanks to his father, Ralph, the festival chairman for 15 years. Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2022 Jen wore a floor-length bateau gown with sequin detailing at the sleeves by Ralph Lauren, paired with glossy Stuart Weitzman platform heels and a matching clutch. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 Dec. 2022 The stunning silk gown featured an open bateau neckline and sculpted waist. Lanford Beard, PEOPLE.com, 13 Aug. 2021 The three-quarter-length sleeves and open bateau neckline, meanwhile, served as the dress's focal point. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2023 In years past, dressing French meant picking up a beret or a striped bateau long sleeve and calling it a day. Rachel Besser, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2020 Meghan Markle at Prince Louis' christening in London in July 2018 To celebrate the royal christening of her nephew Prince Louis, Meghan wore an olive green Ralph Lauren dress, which featured a bateau neckline and puffed sleeves. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 16 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bateau.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Canadian French, from French, from Old French batel, from Old English bāt boat — more at boat

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bateau was in 1711

Dictionary Entries Near bateau

Cite this Entry

“Bateau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bateau. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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