Entraînement

Entraînement is a French noun that denotes the process of training, practice, or drills aimed at developing, maintaining, or refining skills, fitness, or readiness. In English usage, the term is most often translated as training or practice. The word derives from the verb entraîner, which means to train, to bring into a state of preparedness, or to lead along; the noun form l’entraînement refers to the act or period of this preparation.

In sports and athletics, l’entraînement refers to structured sessions or programs designed to improve performance, technique, conditioning, or tactical understanding. In military settings, the term covers drills and exercises intended to preserve discipline and operational readiness. In the performing arts, it can denote rehearsals and daily practice routines for musicians, actors, or dancers. In education and professional contexts, the more common term is formation or professional training, though entraine­ment is sometimes used to describe hands-on practice within a broader training program.

Nuances distinguish entraînement from related terms. Formation emphasizes instruction and competency development, while entraînement highlights repetitive practice and conditioning. The plural entraînements can refer to individual sessions or a series of practice periods. In contemporary usage, the concept often appears in sports science, fitness planning, and vocational programs, where it encompasses both physical conditioning and skill acquisition.

See also: formation professionnelle, pratique, programme d’entraînement.