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.

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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

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Compare meaning

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

• Voltaire vs. Rousseau

Example Sentences

Rousseau was criticized for not sharing his condolences in French.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Rousseau was under pressure to resign from politicians and many others in French-speaking Quebec, where the airline is based.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the video message showed "a lack of compassion", while politicians in French-speaking Quebec urged Rousseau to resign.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

You sneak your phone out while he’s glued to some book by a guy named Rousseau, who, ironically, according to Wikipedia, is quoted as having said, I hate books.

From "Booked" by Kwame Alexander