HomeServicesBlogDictionariesContactSpanish Course
← Back to search

Meaning of -ette | Babel Free

Phrase CEFR B1
ɛt

Definitions

  1. Used to form nouns meaning a smaller form of something.
  2. Used to form nouns and adjectives signifying a person (especially a woman) with a specific hair color.
  3. Used to form nouns meaning or implying the female equivalent of.
  4. Used to form nouns meaning an imitation or substitute of something.
  5. Used to form nouns with a Polari context or an association with gay subculture.

Equivalents

Français -ette

Examples

“cigar + -ette → cigarette”
“disk + -ette → diskette”
“kitchen + -ette → kitchenette”
“bachelor + -ette → bachelorette”
“drum major + -ette → drum majorette”
“ranger + -ette → Rangerette”
“smurf + -ette → Smurfette”
“leather + -ette → leatherette”
“You may have vada'd one of our tiny bijou masterpiecettes, heartface.”
“'Shame, eh, my little cherry? I was really bonar for him and all. It'll be a lonely old arthur for me tonight as usual. Ah well, let's have another little drinkette then, shall we? And perhaps, Poppett,' he sighed histrionically. 'I'll learn to keep my queeny old polari for them what appreciates it. Or for them what admints^([sic – meaning admits]) it,'”
“purple + -ette → purplette”
“raven + -ette → ravenette”

CEFR level

B1
Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B1 vocabulary — intermediate level.
See all B1 English words →

See also

Learn this word in context

See -ette used in real conversations inside our free language course.

Start Free Course

Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free