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

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 • May 28, 2025

In a more recent post, she shared video of the cap and gown she intended to wear to graduation, with the caption "3 more weeks".

From BBC • May 3, 2025

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

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2025

It was a dark-haired kid in a grade-school graduation cap and gown.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby