arrondissement

[ uh-ron-dis-muhnt, ar-uhn-dees-; French a-rawn-dees-mahn ]

noun

, plural ar·ron·disse·ments [uh, -, ron, -dis-m, uh, nts, a, -, r, aw, n, -dees-, mahn].

1. the largest administrative division of a French department, comprising a number of cantons.
2. an administrative district of certain large cities in France.

arrondissement

/ arɔ̃dismɑ̃ /

noun

1. the largest administrative subdivision of a department
2. a municipal district of certain cities, esp Paris

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrondissement¹

1800–10; < French, equivalent to arrondiss- (variant stem of arrondir to round out; a- ⁵, round ¹ ) + -ment -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrondissement¹

C19: from arrondir to make round, from ab- ¹+ -rondir from rond round

Example Sentences

I’m based in the 11th Arrondissement, which is certainly one of the more pleasant areas.

From Los Angeles Times

The Paris prosecutor's office said the individual was arrested on Tuesday night for buying cocaine in the ninth arrondissement.

From BBC

Hoover and his staff have established an office on Rue de la Paix in the 2nd arrondissement, a neighborhood known for its upscale jewelers and boutiques.

From Los Angeles Times

It all happened at the purpose-built Tourelles swimming pool in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.

From BBC

The driver initially fled the scene, in the French capital's 20th arrondissement, but was later arrested, officers added.

From BBC