robe

robe — noun

1. an item of formal attire with a long, loose cut and full sleeves, worn over othe

1.nounB1
Definition

an item of formal attire with a long, loose cut and full sleeves, worn over other clothes at official events to indicate the wearer's profession or status

Example

The judge entered the courtroom wearing a long black robe over her suit.

formal context: judge's robe

Graduates wore red robes and carried their diplomas as they walked across the stage.

Common collocations
  • long black robe
  • white robe
  • ceremonial robe
  • judge's robe
  • graduation robe
  • choir robe
  • purple robe
Synonyms
  • gown

    specifically academic or evening wear; 'gown' is more common in university contexts

  • vestment

    restricted to ecclesiastical garments worn during religious services

  • cloak

    a sleeveless outer garment; differs in shape and does not open at the front like a robe

Usage Note

Often used in the plural form 'robes' when referring to a complete set of ceremonial garments, as in 'coronation robes' or 'graduation robes'.

Common Mistakes

He wore a long robe to the supermarket.
He wore a long robe to the graduation ceremony.
Formal robes are reserved for ceremonial occasions, not everyday errands.

2. an informal, soft garment with an open front, worn at home while drying off afte

2.nounB1
Definition

an informal, soft garment with an open front, worn at home while drying off after a shower, getting ready in the morning, or relaxing over sleepwear

Example

After her morning shower, Apinya wrapped a soft cotton robe around herself.

collocation: cotton robe / bathrobe

Joon hung his wet robe on the back of the bathroom door to dry.

Common collocations
  • cotton robe
  • fleece robe
  • white robe
  • thick robe
  • wet robe
  • bath robe
Synonyms
  • bathrobe

    the more common everyday term; clearer in meaning

  • dressing gown

    chiefly British English; often implies a more tailored garment

Usage Note

In everyday conversation, this is often called a 'bathrobe' to distinguish it from formal robes. 'Dressing gown' is used in British English for the same item.

Common Mistakes

The judge put on his robe after the shower.
The judge put on his bathrobe after the shower.
Use 'bathrobe' for home wear to avoid confusion with formal ceremonial robes.

robe — verb

Word family

  • robed
    adjectiveB2
  • robing
    nounC1
  • bathrobe
    nounB1
  • wardrobe
    nounA2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe loose outer garments, but they differ in context and specificity. 'Robe' is the broadest term for a long, loose garment worn for formal or ceremonial purposes — judges, priests, and graduates all wear robes, each distinguished by colour and style. 'Gown' overlaps with 'robe' in academic contexts (a graduation gown is also called a robe), but 'gown' more often refers to women's formal evening wear or a hospital garment. 'Vestment' is strictly ecclesiastical: it covers the specific garments a priest wears during religious services, such as the chasuble or stole, and is never used for academic or legal dress. 'Cloak' differs in shape — it is a sleeveless outer garment that fastens at the neck and hangs from the shoulders, more like a cape than a robe. In everyday use, 'robe' is the most practical word for learners to master first: 'The judge took off her robe after the trial' uses the same word as 'He put on a bathrobe after his shower', though the two senses are kept apart by context.

robe ↗gown ↗vestmentcloak

Common collocations

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-GermanicFrankishOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'robe' entered English through Old French 'robe', originally meaning 'booty, stolen goods, or clothing taken as plunder'. This French word came from the Frankish word 'rauba' (booty), which traces back to the Proto-Germanic root '*raubōn' (to rob or plunder). The shift in meaning from 'stolen goods' to 'garment' happened because clothing was one of the most valuable items taken as loot, and eventually the word came to refer specifically to the kind of long, flowing garment that was worn by people of rank. By the 13th century, 'robe' in English had settled into its modern sense of a long loose outer garment worn for formal or ceremonial occasions.