Provençal

1 of 2

adjective

Pro·​ven·​çal ˌprō-ˌvän-ˈsäl 

ˌprä-vən-

sense 1 also prə-ˈven(t)-səl

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Provence or the people of Provence

2

or Provençale : cooked with butter, white wine, shallots, garlic, and parsley and often other ingredients (such as tomatoes or mushrooms)

scallops Provençal

Provençal

2 of 2

noun

Pro·​ven·​çal ˌprō-ˌvän-ˈsäl 

ˌprä-vən-

1

: a native or inhabitant of Provence

2

: occitan

especially : the dialect of Occitan spoken in Provence

Examples of Provençal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Guests arrive at breakfast in white linen shirts and silver Havanas and hang out by the pool drinking bottles of Provencal rose rather than piña coladas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The wine program is also excellent, with rosé being the name of the game, so come prepared to dive into some Provencal excellence. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

The menu is seasonal and New American, and could include Atlantic scallops and a bounty of New England produce, or delicate halibut Provencal. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026

Now, the 217-key property features a custom label that suits each of its bars and lounges, from a custom Provencal rosé at the Beach House Grill to signature brews on The Veranda and exclusive whiskey at the South Lounge Bar. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Richard Olney, an American painter who moved to France in the 1950s, wrote the cookbook Simple French Food to celebrate his new love for Provencal cuisine. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026

King peruses several cookbooks before settling on Richard Olney’s Lulu’s Provencal Table. — Elizabeth Wellington, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French, from Provence Provence

First Known Use

Adjective

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Provençal

• Franco-Provençal

Kids Definition

Provençal

noun

Pro·​ven·​çal

ˌpräv-ən-ˈsäl, 

ˌprōv-

1

: a person born or living in Provence

2

: occitan

Provençal adjective