armoire

American  

[ahrm-wahr, ahrm-wahr] / ɑrmˈwɑr, ˈɑrm wɑr /

noun

1. a large wardrobe or movable cupboard, with doors and shelves.

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armoire British  

/ ɑːmˈwɑː /

noun

1. a large cabinet, originally used for storing weapons

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Etymology

Origin of armoire

First recorded in 1565–75; from Middle French; Old French blend of armaire and aumoire; see aumbry

Explanation

An armoire is a kind of wardrobe or freestanding closet. You can hang your clothes on hangers in an armoire, or put your folded sweaters on its shelves. These days, most armoires are antiques, tall movable cabinets made of wood that hold clothing. It was once less common for houses to be built with closets, and armoires gave people a place to store things out of sight. Armoire is a French word, from the Old French armarie, "cupboard or bookcase," with its Latin root armarium, "closet for storing implements or tools."

Related Words

• wardrobe