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name Uncommon

Calais

KA-lay

Calais (name) means a port city in northern France, on the English Channel, close to England. Example: “Ferries cross the Channel between Dover and Calais.”

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A port city in northern France, on the English Channel, close to England.
"Ferries cross the Channel between Dover and Calais."

How to Use Calais

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA French port town known as the closest crossing point to England.

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Ferries cross the Channel between Dover and _____.

Etymology

From French Calais, tracing back to a Gaulish tribal name recorded in Latin as Caletum.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for Calais

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Calais” mean?

The word “Calais” means a port city in northern France, on the English Channel, close to England. In plain terms, a French port town known as the closest crossing point to England.

How do you pronounce “Calais”?

“Calais” is pronounced KA-lay (/ˈkæleɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Calais” in a sentence?

Here is “Calais” used in a sentence: “Ferries cross the Channel between Dover and Calais.”

What part of speech is “Calais”?

“Calais” is a name.

Where does the word “Calais” come from?

The word “Calais” comes from Latin. From French Calais, tracing back to a Gaulish tribal name recorded in Latin as Caletum.

Is “Calais” a common word?

“Calais” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial