negligee

American  

[neg-li-zhey, neg-li-zhey] / ˌnɛg lɪˈʒeɪ, ˈnɛg lɪˌʒeɪ /

Or negligée,

noun

1. a dressing gown or robe, usually of sheer fabric and having soft, flowing lines, worn by women.

2. easy, informal attire.

---

negligee British  

/ ˈnɛɡlɪˌʒeɪ /

noun

1. a woman's light dressing gown, esp one that is lace-trimmed

2. a thin and revealing woman's nightdress

3. any informal attire

---

Etymology

Origin of negligee

1745–55, < French négligé carelessness, undress, literally, neglected, past participle of négliger < Latin negligere, variant of neglegere to neglect

Example Sentences

What could be more cheerful on a cloudy morning than a flannel négligée of the blessed shade of green consecrated to the observance of the seventeenth of March?

From Threads of Grey and Gold by Reed, Myrtle

Her aunt, still in lavender silk négligée, so far progressed towards the day's toilet as to have her hair carefully dressed, looked up from the Revue Bleue, and nodded.

From The Bent Twig by Fisher, Dorothy Canfield

Scarecrows are built whenever there are any clothes to spare; but as the Filipino even utilizes rags, the scarecrow often has to go in shocking négligée.

From The Great White Tribe in Filipinia by Gilbert, Paul T. (Paul Thomas)

She was now arrayed in a pompadour satin négligée, and petticoat trimmed with Brussels lace.

From Marriage by Ferrier, Susan Edmonstone

He was attired as I have never seen him before, quite négligée, you know, and wearing a Turkish fez.

From Against Odds A Detective Story by Lynch, Lawrence L.