rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygownFormal dress
noun / verb

gown

GOWN/ɡaʊn/

A long outer garment that covers the body loosely.

She wears a flowing gown to the formal dinner tonight.

A full-length view of a woman wearing an elegant floor-length evening gown, with its fitted bodice and flowing formal skirt clearly visible.
Etymology
gownOld Frenchrobe, coat, habit

The older word covered robes, coats, and religious habits. English narrowed this broad garment term toward formal dresses and robes marking an office or special purpose.

In context

Storytime Haven347:11
his grizzled hair flying and his long black gown floating behind him. He was clad in the dress of a respectable citizen
Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

  • Graduates wear caps and gowns during the ceremony.
  • The nurse helps him tie his hospital gown.
  • The surgeons gown up before entering the operating room.

Forms

gown · gowns · gowned · gowning

Similar words

robe
Usually loose-fitting, often worn for ceremonies or around the house.
dress
May be short or casual rather than long or ceremonial.