Definition

Proper noun: * A palace built in the 17th century for Louis XIV southwest of Paris near the city of Versailles: The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence, renowned for its immense size, architectural grandeur, and opulent decoration. It served as the political center of the Kingdom of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major historical and cultural landmark.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous monuments in the world.
  • We spent the whole day touring the magnificent Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
  • The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.

Advanced Usage

• "Versailles" as a metonym: The word "Versailles" is often used alone to refer to the palace complex or the historical system it represented.
  • The court of Versailles was known for its elaborate etiquette. (Here, "Versailles" refers to the royal court located at the palace.)

Variants and Related Words

• Versailles (proper noun): The city where the palace is located; commonly used as shorthand for the palace itself.
• Château de Versailles (proper noun): The French name for the Palace of Versailles.

Synonyms

• Château de Versailles (The direct French translation).
• The Royal Palace of Versailles.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces): The most famous room within the Palace of Versailles.
• Gardens of Versailles: The expansive, formal gardens surrounding the palace.
• Treaty of Versailles: The 1919 peace treaty signed at the palace.
• Louis XIV (the Sun King): The French king who commissioned and expanded the palace.

Noun

1. a palace built in the 17th century for Louis XIV southwest of Paris near the city of Versailles