shawl

[shawl]

noun

1. a square, triangular, or oblong piece of wool or other material worn, especially by women, about the shoulders, or the head and shoulders, in place of a coat or hat outdoors, and indoors as protection against chill or dampness.

shawl

/ ʃɔːl /

noun

1. a piece of fabric or knitted or crocheted material worn around the shoulders by women or wrapped around a baby

Other Word Forms

• shawlless adjective
• shawllike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shawl¹

First recorded in 1655–65, shawl is from the Persian word shāl

Word History and Origins

Origin of shawl¹

C17: from Persian shāl

Example Sentences

"Heritage isn't just about grand monuments", one follower commented, "but about the things people carried when they left their homes, books, shawls and family recipes".

From BBC

Other racks hold the matching skirts and pants as well as stylized denim shawls and double-breasted, patchwork coats she made for special occasions.

From Los Angeles Times

Each dress came accompanied by a matching shawl that Ross would eventually toss to the stage to be retrieved by a waiting assistant who seemed to know precisely when it would happen.

From Los Angeles Times

For his buyers, the shawls are a sign of luxury.

From BBC

The Basotho wear them as shawls at special events and give them as gifts.

From BBC

Related Words

• cloth 
• scarf 
• stole