donning

American  

[don-ing] / ˈdɒn ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of putting on a garment or piece of equipment.

   In the ancient Middle East, the donning of sackcloth was a sign of mourning.

   Participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness and other safety practices involved in working from heights.

2. the act of assuming or adopting a particular attitude, responsibility, etc..

   The birth of a child entails the donning of a new set of priorities for the parents.

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Etymology

Origin of donning

First recorded in 1830–40; don ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

I imagine the A.I. bot like a child playing dress-up, donning an oversized blazer and glasses for a game of “businessman.”

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Team Italy, for example, celebrated home runs by donning an Armani jacket in the dugout and taking a ceremonial shot of espresso.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

After donning hats and shirts that commemorated their championship, the Bruins celebrated on the floor with cheers and pictures.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

Bad Bunny wore an all-white ensemble, with a football jersey featuring the number "64" and "Ocasio," before donning a classy suit jacket.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

I asked, jerking my head to where Corban and Blake were donning scuba gear.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• dress
• put on
• wear