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

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 The noun milliner is a somewhat outdated word for a hat maker — it refers to someone whose business is to design, make, decorate, or sell hats.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

Other second-hand pieces featured in the exhibition include an Alexon coat bought from a charity shop for EastEnders character Dot Cotton and a leopard-print hat by famous milliner Otto Lucas, purchased from eBay.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2024

She didn’t wear a tiara, instead opting for a large silver and crystal headpiece designed by milliner Jess Collett in collaboration with McQueen.

From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2023

Western Costume milliner Patrick Rogers made 150 rain hats and a shoemaker cut the leather tabs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 3, 2023

Grandpa was real proud of the store having a milliner trained at the Armstrong and Cater Company in Baltimore.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

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