Balmoral

American  

[bal-mawr-uhl, -mor-uhl] / bælˈmɔr əl, -ˈmɒr əl /

noun

1. a colored woolen petticoat, formerly worn under a skirt and draped so that portions of it could be seen.

2. Also called bal.  (lowercase) an ankle-high shoe, laced in front.

3. a brimless Scottish cap with a flat top that projects all around the head.

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Balmoral ¹ British  

/ bælˈmɒrəl /

noun

1. a laced walking shoe

2. a 19th-century woollen petticoat, worn showing below the skirt

3. Also called: bluebonnet.  a Scottish brimless hat traditionally of dark blue wool with a cockade and plume on one side

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Balmoral ² British  

/ bælˈmɒrəl /

noun

1. a castle in NE Scotland, in SW Aberdeenshire: a private residence of the British sovereign

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Etymology

Origin of Balmoral

First recorded in 1855–60; after Balmoral Castle in Scotland

Example Sentences

Kimmel said: "It was taken at Balmoral Castle before the historic 'kissing of hands' ceremony in which she publicly appointed her 15th British Prime Minister, Liz Truss."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Its influence on contemporary designers is huge, says exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut, noting luxury Italian brand Miu Miu's 2024 Balmoral collection, which reimagined the Queen's tartan kilts.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

Lord Janvrin was in Balmoral with the late queen.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

Fit for Sunday mornings at Balmoral, this one will weather decades of omelet service and crossword solving.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Craig Castle is a small castle—I mean, compared to Edinburgh or Stirling Castles; or Balmoral, where the King lives in the summer; or Glamis, where the Queen’s family lives.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein