milliner

American  

[mil-uh-ner] / ˈmɪl ə nər /

noun

1. a person who designs, makes, or sells hats for women.

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milliner British  

/ ˈmɪlɪnə /

noun

1. a person who makes or sells women's hats

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Etymology

Origin of milliner

First recorded in 1520–30; variant of obsolete Milaner “native of Milan, dealer in goods from Milan” ( Milan was formerly accented on the first syllable); see -er ¹

Explanation

A milliner is someone who designs or makes hats, especially women’s hats. Milliners usually sell hats too. The noun milliner is a somewhat outdated word for a hat maker — it refers to someone whose business is to design, make, decorate, or sell hats. You might go to a milliner before your trip to South America, to buy a large-brimmed sun hat. The earliest meaning of the word milliner, from the fifteenth century, was "vendor of fancy wares, especially those made in Milan," though by the eighteenth century it meant "one who sells women's hats."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

milliner

But Sophie, an introverted milliner, never asked for anyone’s attention and is convinced she’s plain and unattractive.

From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2026

There were the bespoke Philip Treacy hats that revisited a technique the milliner has honed for years, with feathers forming typography in words like “Buzz” and “Flow,” worn with some of the men’s looks.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

The son of a milliner, Bohan was asked to lead the French label after his predecessor Yves Saint Laurent was drafted into the French military in 1960.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 8, 2023

His father managed cargo on freighter ships and was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his service in the Canadian Army during World War II. His mother was a milliner.

From New York Times ● May 28, 2023

“You want my opinion, Rucker’s been hopin’ to git shet a-Mattie Lou ever since he laid eyes on the milliner.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns