bouchons

Bouchons (singular bouchon) is a French term with several related meanings. In the most general sense, a bouchon is a stopper or cork used to close a container, pipe, or bottle. The word is applied to various packing or sealing devices, from natural cork and agglomerated cork to synthetic stoppers. In the wine trade, corks are selected for sealing, but cork taint can affect flavor and aroma; alternatives include synthetic or composite closures.

In a different sense, bouchon refers to a traffic bottleneck. In France, a bouchon is a traffic jam caused by a road layout, incident, or peak volume, often treated as a hazard or inconvenience.

In culinary culture, bouchon designates a specific type of traditional Lyonnais eatery. A Lyon bouchon serves regional dishes in a convivial, informal setting, typically with rustic decor and a focus on hearty meat and sausage dishes, quenelles, and local specialties. The name's origin is debated but the term has become synonymous with these distinctive eateries.

Other uses include architecture or industry where bouchon denotes a plug or stopper in mechanical or construction contexts, and in perfumery or packaging as a cap for containers. The word ultimately derives from the notion of closing or plugging an opening.