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

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

Rousseau was criticized for not sharing his condolences in French.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

A day later, Air Canada shared a four-minute video message from Rousseau on its social media.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Michael Rousseau informed the airline that he will be stepping down by the end of the company's third quarter, Air Canada said in a statement on Monday.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Nor that the young Rousseau should put some of his earliest thoughts about society and the individual in an operetta about Columbus and the Indians.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann