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DictionarywimpleCloth head covering
noun

wimple

WIM-pul/ˈwɪmpl/

A cloth covering for the head and neck, traditionally worn by nuns and medieval women.

The woman's linen wimple frames her face and covers her neck.

A close three-quarter bust portrait of a medieval English woman wearing a white linen wimple, clearly showing the cloth framing her face, passing beneath her chin, and covering her neck.
Etymology
wimpleOld Englishhead and neck covering

Old English wimpel already named a head-and-neck covering. The modern word preserves that garment sense, especially in descriptions of women's and nuns' dress; its deeper origin is obscure.

In context

Storytime Haven488:01
She was tall and slender, but her features could not be seen for a wimple over her head.
Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

  • She adjusts her wimple beneath the veil.
  • The medieval portrait shows a woman wearing a linen wimple.
  • The costume designer sews wimples for the actors playing nuns.

Forms

wimple · wimples

Similar words

veil
Often covers the face rather than wrapping around the neck.
coif
A close-fitting cap, generally without a covering for the neck.