bidonville

noun

bi·​don·​ville ˌbē-ˌdōⁿ-ˈvēl How to pronounce bidonville (audio)
: a settlement of jerry-built dwellings on the outskirts of a city (as in France or North Africa)

Word History

Etymology

French, from bidon metal can or drum + ville city

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bidonville was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near bidonville

bid off

bidonville

bid price

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Bidonville.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bidonville. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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