caftan

noun

caf·​tan ˈkaf-(ˌ)tan 

variants or less commonly kaftan

: a usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East

Examples of caftan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There were a few younger couples, too, with women in Pippa Holt caftans toting expensive straw bags. —Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

There are also some modern items and brands for sale, and a major highlight are the fabulous caftans, dresses and other garments from Jennafer Grace. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2025

With the photographs, beloved quotes from figures such as the founder of fashion retailer Moda Operandi, Lauren Santo Domingo, and emotional ephemera not limited to eloquent caftans plus chic suiting, chosen to be displayed, each item was handpicked due to its sentimental meaning to Talley. —Essence, 4 Nov. 2025

The boutique—carrying caftans, sandals, bags, jewelry, and home decor, almost all of it by Moroccan makers—also has a new floor layout and fresh collections. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Russian & Turkish; Russian kaftan, from Turkish, from Persian qaftān

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for caftan

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman

Kids Definition

caftan

noun

caf·​tan

variants also kaftan

kaf-ˈtan, 

ˈkaf-ˌtan

: an ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East