rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryapronProtective garment
noun

apron

AY-prun/ˈeɪprən/

A garment worn over the front of clothing to protect it.

The baker wears a cream apron to keep flour off his clothes.

A Black male baker wears a cream apron over blue clothing, flour on apron protecting his clothing.
Etymology
apronOld Frenchsmall tablecloth

Old French naperon meant “small tablecloth.” The meaning shifted from a cloth covering a table to one worn over the front of the body to keep clothing clean.

In context

Boring History For Sleep HQ7:53
He's wiping his hands on a slightly stained linen apron worn over a simple dark waist coat and shirt sleeves.
The Surprisingly Simple Remedies of a Colonial American Apothecary | Boring History for Sleep

More examples

  • She ties an apron around her waist before cooking.
  • The children wear aprons while they paint.
  • His heavy apron protects his shirt from wood stain.

Forms

apron · aprons

Similar words

smock
A loose protective garment that usually covers the back too.
bib
A smaller covering that mainly protects the chest during meals.