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apparel

n. · v.
US //əˈpæɹəɫ// UK //ˈæpəɹəl// ap·par·el
  1. 1 clothing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    clothing, especially when it is sold in a shop or worn for a specific purpose.

    clothing or attire in a general sense. Often used in commercial or industrial contexts to categorize garments.

    Example

    The shop sells a wide range of athletic apparel for runners and cyclists.

    Example

    The retail giant reported a significant decline in sales within its luxury apparel division during the final quarter of the fiscal year.
  2. 2 ship equipment (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the equipment of a ship, such as the sails, anchors, and ropes.

    the functional equipment or 'furniture' of a ship, including masts, rigging, and ground tackle.

    Example

    The crew spent the morning inspecting the ship's apparel before setting sail.

    Example

    The historical society funded the restoration of the vessel's original apparel, ensuring the masts and rigging were period-accurate.
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  1. 3 to dress someone (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    to dress someone in beautiful or formal clothes.

    to clothe or attire a person, particularly in an ornamental or formal manner. Transitive and often used in the passive voice.

    Example

    The king was appareled in fine silk for the wedding ceremony.

    Example

    The statues were richly appareled in embroidered fabrics for the duration of the religious festival.
Origin

From Old French apareillier. Doublet of parrel.

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