ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gown

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɡaʊn// UK //ɡˈaʊn// gown

n. a long, formal dress that you wear to a special event like a wedding or a fancy party. It can also mean the long robe that doctors or students wear for graduation.

n. a long, elegant dress typically worn by women for formal social occasions. Also refers to a loose, protective or ceremonial robe worn by professionals such as judges, academics, or medical staff.


SIMPLE

She wore a beautiful silk gown to the charity ball.

CONTEXTUAL

The graduates lined up in their black caps and gowns to receive their diplomas.

COMPLEX

The museum's textile collection features several hand-stitched evening gowns from the Victorian era, showcasing the intricate lace and heavy velvet popular among the elite of that period.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English gowne, from Anglo-Norman goune, gune (“fur-trimmed coat, pelisse”), from Old French goune, from Late Latin gunna (“leather garment, a fur”). Cognate with Manx gooyn, Irish gúna.

Usage

Commonly modified by the purpose of the garment, such as 'evening gown', 'graduation gown', or 'surgical gown'.

Idioms1 entry

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