# frock

/ˈfɹɑk/ (US) · /fɹˈɒk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a dress

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

an older or more formal word for a woman's or girl's dress.

For teachers: a woman's or girl's dress; now frequently used with a nostalgic or slightly formal tone, particularly in British English.

- She wore a pretty floral frock to the summer garden party.
- The boutique specialised in vintage-inspired frocks that captured the aesthetic of the mid-twentieth century.

Teaching tip: While common in the UK and Australia, American speakers usually prefer 'dress'. It can sound slightly old-fashioned to younger speakers.

### 2. clerical robe

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the long, loose piece of clothing worn by a priest or monk.

For teachers: a long, loose outer garment with large sleeves, worn by monks or priests.

- The monk pulled his heavy woollen frock tighter as he walked through the cold stone hallway.
- The historical drama was praised for its attention to detail, specifically the authentic texture of the clerical frocks worn by the bishops.

### 3. to become a priest

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to officially make someone a priest or a member of the clergy.

For teachers: to invest someone with clerical office or to clothe them in a clerical habit.

- He was frocked in a small ceremony at the cathedral last Sunday.
- The bishop intended to frock the new candidates during the Michaelmas service, following years of rigorous theological study.

Usage: The antonyms 'unfrock' or 'defrock' are much more common in modern news when a priest is removed from office.

Teaching tip: This verb is rare; students are more likely to encounter the opposite, 'defrocked', in news reports about scandals.

## Examples

- She wore a beautiful white frock to the wedding.
- The bride chose a silk frock with intricate lace patterns for her ceremony.
- The fashion designer's latest collection features several vintage-inspired frocks that blend traditional tailoring with modern, minimalist silhouettes.

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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.