bateau

noun

ba·​teau ba-ˈtō How to pronounce bateau (audio)
variants or less commonly
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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 The striped bateau top is one that’s often synonymous with French girl style, but Gomez’s thick striped sweater is a wardrobe staple that just about anyone will look good in. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2022 See More

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 7 Jun. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on bateau

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!