Provençal

American  

[proh-vuhn-sahl, prov-uhn-, praw-vahn-sal] / ˌproʊ vənˈsɑl, ˌprɒv ən-, prɔ vɑ̃ˈsal /

adjective

1. of or relating to Provence, its people, or their language.

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Provence.

2. Also called Occitan.  a Romance language once widely spoken in southern France, still in use in some rural areas. Pr, Pr., Prov.

3. the dialect of Provençal used in Provence.

Provençal British  

/ prɔvɑ̃sal, ˌprɒvɒnˈsɑːl /

adjective

1. relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Provence, its inhabitants, their dialect of French, or their Romance language

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noun

1. a language of Provence, closely related to Catalan, French, and Italian, belonging to the Romance group of the Indo-European family. It was important in the Middle Ages as a literary language, and attempts have been made since the 19th century to revive its literary status See also langue d'oc

2. a native or inhabitant of Provence

Etymology

Origin of Provençal

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French, from Latin prōvinciālis provincial; Provence, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Many traditional stews are built without it: a Central American jocón, a West African mafe and a Provençal daube all skip browning and rely on other ingredients to deepen their flavors.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

In this pappardelle recipe from our book “Tuesday Nights Mediterranean,” which features weeknight-friendly meals from the region, we took inspiration from Richard Olney’s classic book “Lulu’s Provençal Table.”

From Washington Times • Aug. 1, 2023

"Rosé is so oversaturated," she says, adding that it's understandably harder to nudge someone to buy, say, a pricier Sangiovese rosé when light, affordable, no-brainer Provençal rosé is within reach.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2022

As with bourride, a similar Provençal fish stew, rosé would be a great choice, or, in this case, Spanish rosado, as long as it is dry.

From New York Times • Nov. 1, 2021

In April, 1611, a Provençal curé, named Gaurifidi, was accused of sorcery before the Parliament of Aix.

From Witch, Warlock, and Magician Historical Sketches of Magic and Witchcraft in England and Scotland by Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)