proper noun
Notre-Dame
NOT-ruh DAHM
Notre-Dame (proper noun) means the medieval Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in Paris, begun in the twelfth century and badly damaged by fire in 2019. Example: “The bells of Notre-Dame can be heard across the Seine.”
proper noun
1
The medieval Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in Paris, begun in the twelfth century and badly damaged by fire in 2019.
"The bells of Notre-Dame can be heard across the Seine."
"Restoration work on Notre-Dame drew donations from around the world."
2
chiefly US The University of Notre Dame, a Catholic university in Indiana, in the United States, known especially for its American football team.
"He turned down Notre Dame to play in the Big Ten."
3
A name given to many Catholic churches, cathedrals and schools dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
"Notre-Dame de Chartres is famous for its blue stained glass."
How to use Notre-Dame
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe famous cathedral in Paris, or the American university named after the Virgin Mary.
When to use it
A proper noun; capitalise both parts.
Memory tip
Context decides the pronunciation: the Paris cathedral keeps the French sound, the Indiana university does not.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris
the Notre Dame fire
Notre Dame football
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The bells of _____ can be heard across the Seine.
Etymology
From French Notre-Dame, 'Our Lady', a title of the Virgin Mary.
Synonyms
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Notre-Dame de Paris
Rhymes for Notre-Dame
See all rhymes for Notre-Dame →Frequently asked questions
What does Notre Dame mean in English?
Our Lady. It is a French title for the Virgin Mary, which is why so many Catholic churches carry the name.
How is Notre Dame pronounced?
In French it is roughly NOT-ruh DAHM. In the United States, the university is usually said NOH-ter DAYM, which is the accepted pronunciation for the school even among people who say the French cathedral differently.
Is Notre-Dame hyphenated?
French usage hyphenates the name of the building, Notre-Dame de Paris. The American university writes itself without a hyphen: the University of Notre Dame.
What is the meaning of Notre-Dame?
"Notre-Dame" (proper noun) means the medieval Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in Paris, begun in the twelfth century and badly damaged by fire in 2019.
