la couette

Couette is a French word with two main meanings:

1. Comforter / Duvet:
   In everyday French, une couette means a thick quilt, a comforter, or a duvet used as bedding to keep warm. It is usually filled with down feathers, synthetic fibers, or wool and covered with fabric.

   • Parts:
     The word couette itself originates from Old French coue, meaning a "ruffle" or "frill," but in modern French, it directly refers to this bedding item.
   • Synonyms:
     • Une édredon (less commonly used today, often for a quilt or bedspread)
     • Un duvet (specifically refers to the down filling, but sometimes to the duvet itself)
   • Antonyms:
     • Un drap (a sheet, lighter bedding)
     • Une couverture (a blanket, generally thinner than a couette)

2. Hairstyle (Informal, Regional):
   In some French-speaking regions, couette also means a ponytail—a hairstyle where the hair is gathered and tied at the back of the head, resembling a "tail."

   • Synonyms:
     • Une queue de cheval (more common for ponytail)
   • Antonyms: Not typically used in opposition here.

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Summary:

• Primary meaning: a thick bed cover (comforter/duvet) for warmth
• Secondary meaning (informal): a ponytail hairstyle

The first meaning is the most common in standard French.