# robe

/ˈɹoʊb/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/robe
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. ceremonial or official clothing

noun · CEFR B1 · Formal

a long, loose piece of clothing worn for special events or to show someone's high position, like a judge or a king.

For teachers: a long, flowing outer garment worn as an indication of rank, office, or honorary status.

- The judge wore a long black robe during the trial.
- The university chancellor led the procession in a ceremonial silk robe, its heavy embroidery catching the light as he walked toward the podium.

### 2. bathrobe or loungewear

noun · CEFR B1

a soft, loose piece of clothing you wear at home, usually after taking a bath or shower.

For teachers: a loose garment worn for comfort or privacy, typically after bathing or while relaxing at home.

- She put on her warm robe and made a cup of tea.
- After a long day at the office, he found nothing more relaxing than changing into his cotton robe and reading by the fire.

### 3. to dress in a robe

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

to put on a robe, especially for a formal ceremony.

For teachers: to invest or dress someone in a robe; frequently used intransitively to describe the act of putting on official vestments.

- The choir members began to robe in the small room behind the altar.
- The high priest was robed in white linen before the ritual commenced, following a tradition that had remained unchanged for centuries.

## Examples

- He put on his warm robe after getting out of bed.
- The judge entered the courtroom wearing a long black robe to signify her authority.
- Graduates traditionally wear academic robes and caps during the commencement ceremony to honour the long-standing traditions of the university.

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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.