cri de coeur

noun

ˌkrē-də-ˈkər How to pronounce cri de coeur (audio)
plural cris de coeur ˌkrē-də-ˈkər How to pronounce cri de coeur (audio)
Synonyms of cri de coeurnext
: a passionate outcry (as of appeal or protest)

Examples of cri de coeur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
McDougall’s book is, among other things, a cri de coeur. — Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026 There’s no finger-wagging, no righteous accusation or earnest cri de coeur. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 8 May 2026 On July 22, Epstein wrote a kind of cri de coeur, portraying himself as a victim of the #MeToo movement. — New York Times, 16 June 2026 Even establishment news channels, generally averse to displaying the humanity of individual Palestinians, could not resist this cri de coeur of an innocent in peril. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cri de coeur

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, cry from the heart

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cri de coeur was in 1897

Rhymes for cri de coeur

See All Rhymes for cri de coeur

Browse Nearby Words

Criconematidae
cri de coeur
crier
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Cite this Entry

“Cri de coeur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cri%20de%20coeur. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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