Zouave

[ zoo-ahv, zwahv ]

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) one of a former body of infantry in the French army, composed originally of Algerians, distinguished for their dash, hardiness, and picturesque uniform.
2. a member of any body of soldiers adopting a similar dress and drill, especially a soldier serving in any of certain volunteer regiments in the American Civil War.

Zouave

/ zwɑːv; zuːˈɑːv /

noun

1. (formerly) a member of a body of French infantry composed of Algerian recruits noted for their dash, hardiness, and colourful uniforms
2. a member of any body of soldiers wearing a similar uniform or otherwise modelled on the French Zouaves, esp a volunteer in such a unit of the Union Army in the American Civil War

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zouave¹

1820–30; < French < Arabic zawāwah, probably < Berber igowawen, the name of a Berber group

Word History and Origins

Origin of Zouave¹

C19: from French, from Zwāwa, tribal name in Algeria

Example Sentences

During the January 2018 floods, the Seine rose as high as 5.84 meters - about to the Zouave statue’s belt - causing major traffic chaos as the river flooded the train line that connects the city to its western and southern suburbs.

From Reuters

The Zouave soldier on one of the piers of the Alma bridge - a statue that is Parisians’ best-known measure for the height of the Seine - saw the water reaching to his calves, just below the 4.30 meter mark that makes the river unnavigable.

From Reuters

They wore Zouave uniforms, in the style of the French army in Africa, to distinguish themselves at camp in Virginia, where they drank, swore and boasted that they fight like tigers in battle.

From Washington Post

He also sends him a drawing of a Zouave, a French soldier, which amazes Bernard.

From Literature

But Vincent is not satisfied with this or his other Zouave paintings.

From Literature