robe

American  

[rohb] / roʊb /

noun

1. a long, loose or flowing gown or outer garment worn by men or women as ceremonial dress, an official vestment, or garb of office.

2. any long, loose garment, especially one for wear while lounging or preparing to dress, as a bathrobe or dressing gown.

3. a woman's gown or dress, especially of a more elaborate kind.

   a robe for the evening.

4. robes, apparel in general; dress; costume.

5. a piece of fur, cloth, knitted work, etc., used as a blanket, covering, or wrap.

   a buffalo robe; a lap robe.

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verb (used with object)

robed, robing

1. to clothe or invest with a robe or robes; dress; array.

verb (used without object)

robed, robing

1. to put on a robe.

robe British  

/ rəʊb /

noun

1. any loose flowing garment, esp the official vestment of a peer, judge, or academic

2. a dressing gown or bathrobe

3. informal  a wardrobe

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verb

1. to put a robe, etc, on (oneself or someone else); dress

Other Word Forms

• robeless adjective
• rober noun
• underrobe noun

Etymology

Origin of robe

1225–75; Middle English < Old French: originally, spoil, booty < Germanic (akin to rob ); compare Old High German roub > German Raub

Example Sentences

Cheyenne hunters supplied buffalo robes to trading companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over the centuries, gravy shed its sweeter, almond-thickened medieval robes and settled into something recognizably savory, though still wonderfully elastic.

From Salon

He was deep and surprisingly tall, though crooked and bald, and his robes hung long.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans received replicas of his iconic red cap - glittering with HR initials - worn by Reshammiya along with his signature black leather robes that inspired a fashion subculture.

From BBC

Ferocious monsoon rains did not dampen the spirits as the Tibetan spiritual leader appeared in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, smiling and walking with the aid of two monks.

From BBC

Related Words

• bathrobe
• costume
• dress
• frock
• garment
• kimono
• vestment