Marseillaise

[ mahr-suh-leyz, -sey-ez; French mar-se-yez ]

noun

1. the French national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle.

Marseillaise

/ marsɛjɛz; ˌmɑːsəˈleɪz /

noun

1. the Marseillaise
   the French national anthem. Words and music were composed in 1792 by C. J. Rouget de Lisle as a war song for the Rhine army of revolutionary France

Word History and Origins

Origin of Marseillaise¹

C18: from French ( chanson ) Marseillaise song of Marseille (it was first sung in Paris by the battalion of Marseille)

Example Sentences

The stands shake with loud renditions of “La Marseillaise.”

From Los Angeles Times

They have showered their country’s athletes with cheers and serenaded them with spontaneous renditions of “La Marseillaise.”

From Los Angeles Times

Once inside, they have cheered and chanted and sung “La Marseillaise” for French athletes.

From Los Angeles Times

Whatever the setting, whatever the sport, La Marseillaise and Flower of Scotland deliver big time.

From BBC

His speech was followed by a minute of silence and the Marseillaise.

From BBC

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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