pinafore

American  

[pin-uh-fawr, -fohr] / ˈpɪn əˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr /

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.

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pinafore British  

/ ˈpɪnəˌfɔː /

noun

1. an apron, esp one with a bib

2. short for pinafore dress

3. an overdress buttoning at the back

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Etymology

Origin of pinafore

First recorded in 1775–85; pin + afore

Explanation

A little girl in a British novel might wear a pinafore — a white, apron-like garment worn over a dress — but you probably won't see pinafores on the runways. The word pinafore, designating a sleeveless child's dress worn over other clothing, has moved on from its original meaning, which can still be seen lurking in the word itself. It was originally a protective apron "pinned afore," or over, one's clothes. These days, a pinafore is primarily worn by a young girl, and in Britain it's called a pinny for short.

Example Sentences

Abel Zimmerman Zyl, owner of tiny house manufacturer Zyl Vardos, is shown in eastern Montana with one of his signature designs, the Pinafore.

From National Geographic • Jul. 21, 2015

I can sing along to all of the music of the H.M.S Pinafore.

From Forbes • Aug. 21, 2014

You'll notice that "Sweeney Todd" and "Pinafore" aside, I've stayed away from the choruses of musicals and operas, which we're more willing to accept as a theatrical convention.

From New York Times • Jul. 12, 2012

This year, the G&S Society presents "HMS Pinafore" and "Cox & Box."

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2010

The "Pinafore" private room at the Savoy Hotel.

From The Brass Bottle A Farcical Fantastic Play in Four Acts by Anstey, F.

Related Words

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