shawl

[ shawl ]

noun

1. a square, triangular, or oblong piece of wool or other material worn, especially by women, about the shoulders, or the head and shoulders, in place of a coat or hat outdoors, and indoors as protection against chill or dampness.

shawl

/ ʃɔːl /

noun

1. a piece of fabric or knitted or crocheted material worn around the shoulders by women or wrapped around a baby

Other Words From

• shawlless adjective
• shawllike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shawl¹

First recorded in 1655–65, shawl is from the Persian word shāl

Word History and Origins

Origin of shawl¹

C17: from Persian shāl

Example Sentences

Wool sweaters exude coziness, but this one from Fjällräven takes cozy to a whole new level with its raised shawl neck.

From Outside Online

The shawl, we learn, weaves its way through Mexican life, from its use as a baby carrier to a shroud used to bury the dead.

From The Daily Beast

Among the 50 new works included is a shawl made of used tea bags that resembles a ceremonial cloak.

From The Daily Beast

Like that," she said, pointing to one of the women wearing a prayer shawl, "or like us?

From The Daily Beast

Ann Whiting, of Castle Rising, Norfolk presented the couple with a crocheted shawl which she had spent six months making.

From The Daily Beast

And American Jews respond to that message—it makes them want to go put on a prayer shawl at the Western Wall in protest.

From The Daily Beast

Jefferson Davis disguised himself in the hood, shawl, and dress of his wife in 1865.

From Project Gutenberg

The mistress, with an expression of impatience, wrapped herself in her shawl and sat at the foot of the bed.

From Project Gutenberg

Pop that shawl away in my castor, Dodger, so that I may know where to find it when I cut; thats the time of day!

From Project Gutenberg

"'Scuse me," Jake said, pulling a shawl more squarely around her shoulders and straightening her up.

From Project Gutenberg

Susy, also half dressed, and with a shawl wrapped round her shoulders, was carried out by Laidlaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cloth
• scarf
• stole