Skip to main content
bise

bise

9.9
A cold, dry north wind that blows in southeastern France and nearby areas
  • noun
translation icon : bise
  • The bise chilled us to the bone.

Examples

  • The bise swept across the Rhône Valley, bringing a sharp chill to the morning air.

  • Vineyards in the region are accustomed to the fierce bise that blows in winter.

  • Locals bundled up to protect themselves from the biting cold of the bise.

  • During winter, the bise often sweeps through Provence.

  • The bise can make winter days in southeastern France feel even colder.

  • Farmers often appreciate the bise for its role in drying the air and preserving crops.

  • As the bise blew down from the mountains, everyone wrapped up warmly to avoid the chill.

Synonyms

north wind
vsbise
3 1.6

A wind that blows from the north toward the south

is the specific cold dry breeze typical of southeastern France
mistral
vsbise
1 9.9

A strong cold wind from southern France that blows into the Mediterranean in winter

blows from the north into southeastern France rather than northwest
norther
vsbise
  • US
1 8.7

A strong cold wind that blows from the north

is specific to southeastern France and is drier and regionally named
bize
vsbise
  • UK
9.9

A cold dry north wind that blows in southeastern France, especially the Rhone valley

is the standard name used across southeastern France and nearby areas
tramontana
vsbise
9.9

A cold dry wind from mountains that blows into Italy and the western Mediterranean

originates over northern land rather than from mountains into Italy
tramontane
vsbise
  • Archaic
9.9

A cold dry wind that blows from mountains into Italy and the western Mediterranean

blows from the north into southeastern France, not south from mountains
bora
vsbise
  • UK
9.5

A strong cold wind from the north or northeast that blows along coasts

is more local to southeastern France and blows from the north only

How Strong

storm
1.0
gale
24 5.8
bise
9.9
wind
1.0
to breeze
1 1.0

Surface Forms

bise singular
bises plural

Etymology

The word bise comes from French and names a cold north wind that blows in southeastern France and nearby regions. A helpful way to remember it is that bise sounds like 'bite', because the wind brings a sharp, 'biting' cold that feels like it is biting your face.