arrondissement

American  

[uh-ron-dis-muhnt, ar-uhn-dees-, a-rawn-dees-mahn] / əˈrɒn dɪs mənt, ˌær ənˈdis-, a rɔ̃ disˈmɑ̃ /

noun

plural

arrondissements

1. the largest administrative division of a French department, comprising a number of cantons.

2. an administrative district of certain large cities in France.

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arrondissement British  

/ arɔ̃dismɑ̃ /

noun

1. the largest administrative subdivision of a department

2. a municipal district of certain cities, esp Paris

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Etymology

Origin of arrondissement

1800–10; < French, equivalent to arrondiss- (variant stem of arrondir to round out; a- ⁵, round ¹ ) + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

Go to the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the 3rd arrondissement in Paris for fresh oysters and a cheese plate, or to the Marché des Carmes in Toulouse for some lamb chops and fried scallops.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Come nightfall, I walked to the 11th arrondissement, known for its dining and shopping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Hoover and his staff have established an office on Rue de la Paix in the 2nd arrondissement, a neighborhood known for its upscale jewelers and boutiques.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

The driver initially fled the scene, in the French capital's 20th arrondissement, but was later arrested, officers added.

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2024

Von Rumpel enters an apartment house in the 5th arrondissement.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr