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

Her mother sold Gibson’s stuffed animals and her own jewelry to afford her high-school graduation cap and gown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Todd walked on stage with the diploma and Sheen — who had quickly donned a cap and gown — gave him a hug, his lifelong friend having effectively smoothed over one more rough patch in his life.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

As she walked across the graduation stage in her cap and gown, she waved it above her head despite being terrified that doing so would land her in trouble.

From Los Angeles Times

Alisa Perales, 11, will become the youngest graduate of Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa when she dons her cap and gown this week.

From Los Angeles Times