peplum

American  

[pep-luhm] / ˈpɛp ləm /

noun

plural

peplums, pepla

1. a short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips.

2. a short skirt attached to a bodice or jacket.

3. Obsolete. a peplos.

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peplum British  

/ ˈpɛpləm /

noun

1. a flared ruffle attached to the waist of a jacket, bodice, etc

2. a variant of peplos

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Etymology

Origin of peplum

1670–80; < Latin < Greek *péplon (neuter; only plural pépla occurs). See peplos

Example Sentences

His charming, whimsical collection featured ruffled tutus, sculptured soft knits, peplum jackets, skirts with bustles and plenty of shearling fabric.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

The Academy Awards red carpet returned tonight to provide a break in a troubled world, allowing us to briefly be united over the question of whether Nicole Kidman’s peplum was too big.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2022

Some shirts had thick velvet scarves attached to their hems to create a peplum, fringed ends brushing the floor.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2022

For her wedding day, the princess famously wore a long-sleeved gown with a fitted top, a peplum and a long train by British-based designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos.

From Fox News • Oct. 13, 2021

For me, it would be a pair of white jean shorts with a black lace peplum blouse.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles