cap and gown

American  

noun

1. a ceremonial mortarboard and gown worn by faculty, students, etc., as at commencement.

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cap and gown Idioms  

1. Ceremonial dress worn at graduation exercises; by extension, the academic community (also see town and gown. For example, Mary was very proud) when she received her cap and gown for commencement. [Mid-1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of cap and gown

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

He posted a photo of himself in cap and gown last year on LinkedIn, writing “*Pretty* sure my Master’s in CS is done!”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Will you walk the stage in the spring in cap and gown?

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2025

In her graduation photo, De Santiago stares the camera down, resplendent in her black satin cap and gown.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2025

Sophia did not wear the typical cap and gown that commencement speakers usually don, but instead wore a black-and-red D’Youville University hoodie.

From New York Times • May 15, 2024

A few minutes later, Mameh followed him out and spoke to him—they were rarely speaking by then—and the next day he came over and gave me the money for my cap and gown.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride