blouse

1 of 2

noun

ˈblau̇s How to pronounce blouse (audio)
 also  ˈblau̇z
plural blouses ˈblau̇-səz How to pronounce blouse (audio)
-zəz
1
a
: a long loose overgarment that resembles a shirt or smock and is worn especially by workmen, artists, and peasants
b
: the jacket of a uniform
2
: a usually loose-fitting garment especially for women that covers the body from the neck to the waist
blousy adjective

blouse

2 of 2

verb

ˈblau̇s How to pronounce blouse (audio)
ˈblau̇z
bloused; blousing

intransitive verb

: to fall in a fold
coats that blouse above the hip

transitive verb

: to cause to blouse

Examples of blouse in a Sentence

Noun She wore a blouse and a skirt to work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Spring has almost sprung, so keep scrolling to shop more lightweight blouses, including short-sleeve options, inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 Headshots of CEOs and board members and video images of executives at meetings often show immaculate white blouses, button-down shirts, and smiles on smooth, unblemished faces. Byamanda Gerut, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 In the decades since, bright maxi dresses, floral blouses, and skirts with punchy prints have defined Farm Rio as the ultimate vacation attire. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 For the occasion, Harris wore classic pieces from her wardrobe: a black Alexander McQueen suit, a cream Saint Laurent blouse, and suede pumps by Manolo Blahnik. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 For me the bags, accessories, leather coats, the blouses—everything really sits together. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 While Streep’s choice of dining companion was certainly interesting, the most noteworthy aspect of the outing may have been her outfit: a bright red blazer jacket layered over a hot pink blouse and styled with cropped pants and loafers. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 Miss Manners fears that your lunch companions will then be left to wonder what happens to the dressing that is now on your palm instead of your blouse. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024 Equip your wardrobe with sleek trousers, structured blouses, and confident blazers, and you're set. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2024
Verb
The high neckline, short sleeves, bloused top, pockets, and waist tie offer a more casual vibe — however, the variety of floral, striped, and polkadot prints add a bit of formality. Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blouse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1894, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of blouse was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near blouse

Cite this Entry

“Blouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blouse. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

blouse

noun
ˈblau̇s,
 also  ˈblau̇z
1
: a loose outer garment like a shirt or smock varying from hip-length to calf-length
2
: a usually loose-fitting garment especially for women covering the body from the neck to the waist

More from Merriam-Webster on blouse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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