Cannes

American  

[kan, kanz, kan] / kæn, kænz, kan /

noun

1. a city in SE France, on the Mediterranean Sea: resort; annual film festival.

---

Cannes British  

/ kan, kænz, kæn /

noun

1. a port and resort in SE France: developed in the 19th century from a fishing village; annual film festival. Pop: 67 304 (1999)

---

Cannes Cultural  

1. Fashionable resort on the French Riviera.

---

Usage

What is Cannes? Cannes is a popular short name for the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most well-known and prestigious film festivals. It is held annually in the city of Cannes, France. Cannes is known for featuring a variety of international films ranging from high-budget feature films to independent short films. Some films hold their premiere at Cannes. The festival, held in the resort city of Cannes on the Mediterranean Sea, has become known as a glamorous event attended by many famous actors, directors, and other celebrities. How do you pronounce Cannes?Cannes is typically pronounced in English like can, but it can also be pronounced like cans.

Discover More

Cannes hosts an annual international film festival.

Example Sentences

Cakarel said some business and creative relationships are still strained, but the company is bringing at least six movies to next month’s Cannes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“Was great seeing you at the Majestic in Cannes earlier this week,” Yu wrote to Roubini in 2018, according to the released emails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Park achieved international stature with "Oldboy", which won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

But when he saw it again at the Cannes Film Festival last year, he was pleased to realize it maintains its potency.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

“If you are looking for Mr. de Winter we had a message from Cannes to say he would not be back before midnight.”

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier