# garb

/ˈɡɑɹb/ (US) · /ɡˈɑːb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/garb
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. distinctive clothing

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

a particular style of clothing, especially when it shows someone's job, rank, or role.

For teachers: a distinctive style of dress or costume, often associated with a specific profession, social rank, or occasion.

- The monks were dressed in their traditional brown garb for the ceremony.
- The diplomat arrived in the traditional garb of his country, standing out among the sea of dark business suits.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to a general style; countable when referring to a specific outfit.

### 2. outward appearance

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the way something or someone looks on the outside, which might hide their true nature.

For teachers: an outward appearance or guise, often used figuratively to describe how an idea or person is presented.

- The new law was presented in the garb of social reform.
- The corporation attempted to hide its aggressive expansion under the garb of environmental sustainability.

Usage: Usually used with the preposition 'in the garb of'.

### 3. to dress someone

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

to dress someone in a particular kind of clothing.

For teachers: to clothe or array someone in a specific style of dress.

- The actors were garbed in heavy velvet robes for the winter play.
- The statues were garbed in silk banners to celebrate the city's founding anniversary.

Usage: Frequently used in the passive voice ('be garbed in').

## Examples

- The actors were dressed in traditional medieval garb.
- The scientist swapped her usual lab garb for a formal suit to present her findings at the international conference.
- Despite the modern setting of the play, the director chose to dress the chorus in ancient Greek garb to emphasize the timeless nature of the tragedy.

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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.