pinafore

[ pin-uh-fawr, -fohr ]

noun

1. a child's apron, usually large enough to cover the dress and sometimes trimmed with flounces.
2. a woman's sleeveless garment derived from it, low-necked, tying or buttoning in the back, and worn as an apron or as a dress, usually over a blouse, a sweater, or another dress.
3. Chiefly British.
   1. a large apron worn by adults.
   2. a sleeveless smock.

pinafore

/ ˈpɪnəˌfɔː /

noun

1. an apron, esp one with a bib
2. short for pinafore dress
3. an overdress buttoning at the back

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinafore¹

First recorded in 1775–85; pin + afore

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinafore¹

C18: from pin + afore

Example Sentences

In a typical post, she wears a crazy-looking pinafore with an outrageous collar, round-frame shades, and thick, woolly knee socks.

From The Daily Beast

After a smart administration of the strappado, he proceeded to examine the contents of his pinafore, which was bundled round him.

From Project Gutenberg

Sara Lee, enveloped in a large pinafore apron, made the omelet in the kitchen.

From Project Gutenberg

This was worse than "pinafore," but not so astonishing, because one expected French words to be different.

From Project Gutenberg

She embraced the little black legs standing on the swing, and laid her throbbing temple against the child's pinafore.

From Project Gutenberg

“Something,” said Nettie, looking very wise, as she hid her chubby hands under her pinafore.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apparel
• attire
• costume
• ensemble
• frock
• garb
• gown
• robe
• skirt
• smock
• suit
• uniform
• wardrobe