nightgown

[ nahyt-goun ]

noun

1. a loose gown, worn in bed by women or children.
2. Archaic. a dressing gown.

nightgown

/ ˈnaɪtˌɡaʊn /

noun

1. See nightdress
   another name for nightdress
2. a man's nightshirt

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightgown¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; night, gown

Example Sentences

Orthodox women who escaped the collapse or were evacuated from their homes were in their nightgowns and not wearing their wigs or headscarves — they do not show their hair in public — so even these intimate needs have been met by donations.

From Washington Post

Well, besides tear a strap off her nightgown and bend her over the kitchen island.

From Time

In her floral nightgown, she typed out a new sleep observation form for Damion’s Place, an employee log, an updated menu.

From ProPublica

Marni Kotak sits on a gold-painted twin bed, wearing a gold satin nightgown, with matching bedsheets covering her legs.

From The Daily Beast

“It changed everything that night,” she says, wearing only a nightgown and untying her hair.

From The Daily Beast

They knew, or had reason to assume, that the body was moved to the guest bed and reclothed in the nightgown.

From The Daily Beast

My eyes were woozy as I woke up, and I saw these spindly, veiny legs in slippers and a nightgown.

From The Daily Beast

They wouldn't let me dress so I just put a coat over my nightgown as it was raining.

From The Daily Beast

The youngster was in his long white nightgown, that kept tripping him up as Madame Ratignolle led him along by the hand.

From Project Gutenberg

He was accompanied by innumerable others, who pulled me out of bed and carried me to an unknown land in my nightgown.

From Project Gutenberg

Over his green doublet he wore a sad-coloured nightgown, out of the pocket of which peeped his hunting-horn.

From Project Gutenberg

"I wants a nightgown, and I wants to say my p'ayers," she persisted.

From Project Gutenberg

What are you doing out in that tree, and why are you in your nightgown?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lingerie
• pajamas