ancien régime
[ ahn-syanrey-zheem ]
/ ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim /
Save This Word!
noun, plural an·ciens ré·gimes [ahn-syanrey-zheem]. /ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim/. French.
the political and social system of France before the revolution of 1789.
the system of government during this period.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of ancien régime
First recorded in 1790–95; from French; literally, “old rule”
Words nearby ancien régime
anchusin, anchylose, anchylostomiasis, Ancienne-Lorette, ancienne noblesse, ancien régime, ancient, Ancient Greek, ancient history, ancient lights, anciently
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ancien régime in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ancien régime
ancien régime
/ French (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim) /
noun plural anciens régimes (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)
the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789
a former or outdated regime
Word Origin for ancien régime
literally: old regime
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for ancien régime
ancien régime
[ (ahnn-syann ray-zheem) ]
The political and social order that prevailed in France before the French Revolution, built on a belief in absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.