abaya

noun

aba·​ya ə-ˈbī-ə How to pronounce abaya (audio)
: a loose-fitting full-length robe worn by some Muslim women

Examples of abaya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Women cover their heads and wear the abaya, a long black gown. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2022 Nilab looked like a spy in her abaya, gloves that covered her tattoos and sunglasses. Juliet MacUr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Women may choose to wear the head to toe covering called a burqa, or a cloth veil covering their face paired with a headscarf and long robe called an abaya, said Muhajir, the ministry of virtue and prevention of vice spokesman. Washington Post, 7 May 2022 This was an articulation of culturally modest attire in powerfully outspoken colors and fabrics, integrating the abaya into looks running from uptown candy pink boucle coat and fisherman cap to studiedly nonchalant duster coat and overall. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for abaya

Word History

Etymology

Arabic ʽabāya

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abaya was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

“Abaya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abaya. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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