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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

En Passant

/ˌɑn pəˈsɑnt/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:41
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What does En Passant mean?

adjective

  1. Of a capture, performed by a pawn on an enemy pawn that has just passed over its attack zone.

adverb

  1. In passing, by the way, incidentally.
  2. Of a capture of an enemy pawn, by moving one's pawn to the square that the enemy pawn has just passed over.
More meanings (1)

noun

  1. A move in which a pawn captures an opposing pawn on the same rank immediately after the latter has moved forward two squares on its first move in the game, as if it had moved forward only one square.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˌɑn pəˈsɑnt/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Other dictionary pronunciations

/ˌɑn pæˈsɑnt/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

However, this capture can only be effected on the very next move, otherwise the privilege of capturing en passant is lost.
Edward LaskerChess StrategyTranslated by J. (Jules) Du MontProject Gutenberg ebook #5614
We remark, en passant, that George was, by his father’s side, of white descent.
Harriet Beecher StoweUncle Tom's CabinProject Gutenberg ebook #203
More book examples (3)
Betsy, EN PASSANT, just dropped a kiss upon his nose.
Jean WebsterDear EnemyProject Gutenberg ebook #238
I would say, en passant, that Love is always treated by Browning as a SPIRITUAL claim; while DUTY may be only a worldly one.
Robert Browning; Hiram CorsonAn Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning's PoetryProject Gutenberg ebook #260
In he walked, the first and the handsomest; and after paying his compliments en passant to Miss Bates and her niece, made his way directly to the opposite side of the circle, where sat Miss Woodhouse; and till he could find a seat by her, would not sit at all.
Jane AustenEmmaProject Gutenberg ebook #158