carre

Carre, or carré in French, is a term meaning square. As a noun, it refers to a geometric shape with four equal sides and four right angles, and as an adjective it describes something with that same square form. The word derives from Old French carré, which in turn comes from Latin quadrus, related to other terms for four and for squared shapes.

In mathematics and geometry, carré is used to denote the operation of squaring a number, as in élever au carré. It also appears in phrases describing a square figure, such as the area of a carré or the length of its side (côté). The concept is common across everyday language and technical contexts when discussing shapes, areas, and algebraic expressions.

In culture and fashion, un carré refers to a square scarf, typically made of silk, worn around the neck, head, or shoulders. The carré has become a hallmark of certain fashion houses, most notably the Hermès carré, which popularized the square scarf as a signature accessory.

Carre also functions as a surname and appears in various place names in French-speaking regions. While most commonly encountered as a common noun, the term can surface in proper nouns and as part of personal or geographic designations in multilingual contexts.