# dons

/ˈdɑnz/ (US) · /dˈɒnz/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dons
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to put on a piece of clothing. It is a more formal way to say you are dressing yourself.

For teachers: to put on or dress oneself in an item of clothing. A contraction of 'do on', it is typically used in literary or formal contexts.

## Examples

- He dons his coat before heading out into the cold.
- The graduates wait in the hall to don their ceremonial robes before the procession begins.
- In a display of renewed authority, the monarch would don the heavy crown only for the most significant state occasions, preferring lighter headwear for daily duties.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He dons on his hat" but "He dons his hat" — The verb 'don' already means 'put on'; adding the preposition 'on' is redundant.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a specific garment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.