hijab

American  

[hi-jahb, -jab] / hɪˈdʒɑb, -ˈdʒæb /

noun

1. a traditional scarf worn by Muslim women to cover the hair and neck and sometimes the face.

2. the traditional dress code of Muslim women, calling for the covering of the entire body except the face, hands, and feet.

   to observe the hijab.

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hijab British  

/ hɪˈdʒæb, hɛˈdʒɑːb /

noun

1. a covering for the head and face, worn by Muslim women

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Etymology

Origin of hijab

First recorded in 1885–90; from Arabic ḥijāb “veil, cover, curtain,” from ḥajaba “to cover”

Explanation

A hijab is a head covering scarf that some Muslim women wear in public. For many such women, the hijab signifies both modesty and privacy. In some cases, the hijab is worn by a woman when she's with men who aren't in her own family. For other Muslims, it's equally important to wear a hijab in the presence of non-Muslims, including women. Still other practicing Muslims choose not to wear a hijab at all. The word hijab is Persian, from the Arabic ḥajaba, or "veil."

Example Sentences

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Ichrak Nourel Hak - a Muslim teacher in Quebec who wears a hijab - are among those who sought leave to appeal.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Influenced by Christianity, Judaism and other belief systems, Alawites celebrate Christmas, have no dietary restrictions and don’t require women to wear hijab, or head coverings.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Shortly after Israel's recognition at the end of December, social media was flooded with photos of men and women displaying the Israeli flag -- one of them even using it as a hijab.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Less than two weeks after Khomeini assumed power in 1979, women took to the streets to protest his decree requiring the hijab to be worn.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2026

I forgot to add: The whole package is bow-tied in a billowy, diaphanous, organically grown hijab.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali