Boule

Boule is a French noun meaning ball or sphere. In English-language use, the term is often encountered in culinary and sporting contexts borrowed from French, where it describes round, spherical objects or shapes.

In sports, boule refers to the balls used in games in the boule family, notably pétanque and other boules variants. Players throw or roll these balls toward a smaller target ball, called the cochonnet or jack, with the aim of getting their boule closer than their opponents. The sport is typically played on compacted earth, gravel, or similar surfaces, and the term boules may also denote the balls themselves within the game’s discourse.

In baking and breadmaking, a boule is a round loaf of bread. The term emphasizes shape rather than a specific recipe, distinguishing round loaves from elongated baguettes. Boule de pain is a common expression in French bakeries, and such loaves often feature a thick crust with a soft interior.

In culinary and dessert contexts, boule can describe a scoop or rounded serving. For example, ice cream, butter, or other mousses may be presented as a boule to emphasize smooth, spherical form in plating or serving.

Overall, boule retains a core meaning tied to roundness, with specific applications ranging from sports equipment to bread and food presentation. The term is widely understood in both French and English-language settings, often indicating a sphere-shaped object or portion.