milliner

American  

[mil-uh-ner] / ˈmɪl ə nər /

noun

1. a person who designs, makes, or sells hats for women.

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milliner British  

/ ˈmɪlɪnə /

noun

1. a person who makes or sells women's hats

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Etymology

Origin of milliner

First recorded in 1520–30; variant of obsolete Milaner “native of Milan, dealer in goods from Milan” ( Milan was formerly accented on the first syllable); see -er ¹

Explanation

A milliner is someone who designs or makes hats, especially women’s hats. Milliners usually sell hats too. The noun milliner is a somewhat outdated word for a hat maker — it refers to someone whose business is to design, make, decorate, or sell hats. You might go to a milliner before your trip to South America, to buy a large-brimmed sun hat. The earliest meaning of the word milliner, from the fifteenth century, was "vendor of fancy wares, especially those made in Milan," though by the eighteenth century it meant "one who sells women's hats."

Example Sentences

Milliner Jess Collett has made hats and hairbands for Catherine's sister, Pippa Middleton, in the past.

From BBC • May 6, 2023

Keller’s mother, Brandi Milliner, got phone updates from Moloney.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2022

Milliner: I think we’re at a peak, a comedy peak.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2017

Jets’ Dee Milliner healthy, eager to prove he’s no ‘bust’

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2016

And I’ll send you over last year’s numbers of the Milliner and Mantua-maker, dear Mrs. Buller.

From Six to Sixteen A Story for Girls by Ewing, Juliana Horatia Gatty