a department of NE France, in Grand Est region. Capital: Charleville-Mézières. Pop: 288 806 (2003 est). Area: 5253 sq km (2049 sq miles)
2. the Ardennes
Ardennes in American English
(ɑrˈdɛn)
wooded plateau in NE France, S Belgium, and Luxembourg: scene of heavy fighting in WWI and, esp., at the “Battle of the Bulge” (Dec., 1944-Jan., 1945) in WWII