Also means
capital (of a column)
Usage Note
Chapiteau has two distinct meanings: in architecture it is the decorative capital at the top of a column, and in everyday modern usage it most commonly refers to the large tent of a travelling circus or outdoor event. The plural follows the -eau pattern: chapiteaux. The circus sense is what a learner will most often encounter in contemporary French texts.
Examples
"Les enfants adorent se retrouver sous le chapiteau."
Natural Translation
Children love gathering under the big top.
Related Words
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