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 The noun milliner is a somewhat outdated word for a hat maker — it refers to someone whose business is to design, make, decorate, or sell hats.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

He flaunted Gucci jewelry and a hat made by Hollywood’s milliner to the stars.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 16, 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

His wife, Nadia El-Nakla, was dressed in a full-length kilt made from the same tartan, by Scottish designer Siobhan MacKenzie, and a hat by Glasgow milliner William Chambers.

From BBC • May 6, 2023

Ms. Quant, who had apprenticed as a milliner, initially worked as the store’s buyer, setting the inventory while her colleagues focused on the business side.

From Washington Post • Apr. 13, 2023

The next week Miss Love told Grandpa the store ought to have a milliner, and offered to teach Loma.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns