Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

Rousseau

American  
[roo-soh, roo-soh] / ruˈsoʊ, ruˈsoʊ /

noun

  1. Henri Le Douanier, 1844–1910, French painter.

  2. Jean Jacques 1712–78, French philosopher, author, and social reformer; born in Switzerland.

  3. (Pierre Étienne) Théodore 1812–67, French painter.


Rousseau British  
/ ruso /

noun

  1. Henri (ɑ̃ri), known as le Douanier . 1844–1910, French painter, who created bold dreamlike pictures, often of exotic landscapes in a naive style. Among his works are Sleeping Gypsy (1897) and Jungle with a Lion (1904–06). He also worked as a customs official

  2. Jean Jacques (ʒɑ̃ ʒak). 1712–78, French philosopher and writer, born in Switzerland, who strongly influenced the theories of the French Revolution and the romantics. Many of his ideas spring from his belief in the natural goodness of man, whom he felt was warped by society. His works include Du contrat social (1762), Émile (1762), and his Confessions (1782)

  3. Théodore (teɔdɔr). 1812–67, French landscape painter: leader of the Barbizon school

"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

Compare meaning

How does rousseau compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The video led lawmakers in Quebec to vote unanimously to demand Rousseau’s resignation, and Carney at the time said Rousseau and the company’s board should be held accountable for a lapse in judgment and compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

Jean-Jacques Rousseau held that human reason prompts us to turn away from others’ suffering, for it is reason that overcomes the instinct of compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The CEO of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, issued a condolence video, and we have been united in sadness ever since.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Mr. Rousseau delivered the statement in English with French subtitles rather than alternating between English and French, the norm in Canadian public life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Especially because I don’t precisely know who Hobbes and Rousseau are—but not knowing and admitting you don’t know are two completely different things.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "Rousseau" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com