Meaning & use
girouettes
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“girouettes” is a form of “girouette”.
Meanings
nouncountablerareliterary
Weather vanes, especially the rotating metal figures on top of buildings that show wind direction.
Grammar: Countable noun; usually used in the plural. The singular is 'girouette'.
Patterns
- the girouettes on the roof
- a girouette shaped like a rooster
The old church had two girouettes that creaked in the wind.
From the tower, we could see the girouettes turning as the storm approached.
nouncountablerareliteraryfigurative
People who frequently change their opinions or loyalties; fickle individuals.
Grammar: Figurative use; countable, usually plural.
Patterns
- political girouettes
- the girouettes of fashion
The columnist criticized the politicians as girouettes, always turning with the latest polls.
In the world of fashion, designers are often seen as girouettes, following every trend.
Word forms
| singular | girouette |
|---|
Common combinations
- girouettes on the roof
- The girouettes on the roof spun wildly during the hurricane.
- a girouette in the wind
- He changes his mind like a girouette in the wind.
- political girouettes
- Voters grew tired of the political girouettes who switched parties.
Synonyms and how they differ
- weather vane
- The common, everyday term for the same object; 'girouette' is rare and literary.
- weathercock
- Specifically a weather vane shaped like a rooster; more common than 'girouette' but still less common than 'weather vane'.
Word family
- girouette noun
- Singular form of the same word.
Practice
What does 'girouettes' most likely mean in the sentence: 'The girouettes on the cathedral turned as the wind changed.'?
Choose one answer.
'Girouettes' are weather vanes, which turn with the wind. Gargoyles are carved stone creatures, bells ring, and stained glass windows are decorative windows, none of which turn with the wind.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “girouettes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.