English Reference
noun · verb

apparel

n. · v.
US /əˈpæɹəɫ/ UK /ˈæpəɹəl/ ap·par·el UK spelling appareled, apparelled, apparels

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The retail giant reported a significant decline in sales within its luxury apparel division during the final quarter of the fiscal year.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The historical society funded the restoration of the vessel's original apparel, ensuring the masts and rigging were period-accurate.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Literary

    v.to dress someone in beautiful or formal clothes.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

The e-commerce giants, known for selling large volumes of cheap apparel, have been criticised by French officials for driving a surge in fast fashion.

BBC News· 1 Sept 2026

Apparel giants Uniqlo and Muji and premium sneakers company Onitsuka Tiger have been around for a while, but are rapidly expanding.

BBC News· 31 Aug 2026

From Old French apareillier. Doublet of parrel.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French apareillier
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated