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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cap and gown

The cost of renting a cap and gown for the day varies.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

A billboard campaign depicted Barrios in a blue cap and gown with the caption, “Who killed my daughter?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2026

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 ● Dec. 17, 2025

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

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2025

Once I finish telling you this, I plan on trying on my cap and gown and pretending I am walking down the aisle like I will be tomorrow.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

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