anorak

noun

an·​o·​rak ˈa-nə-ˌrak 

1

: a usually pullover hooded jacket long enough to cover the hips

2

British, informal : a person who is extremely enthusiastic about and interested in something that other people find boring

Bale's book is scholarly, immensely detailed and aimed squarely at political anoraks.

—The Sunday Business Post

Examples of anorak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sweaters and jackets were given wings; denim and sweats sprouted ersatz 24-karat fringe; anoraks trailed lace like a wedding veil, or a royal train. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024

Raincoats and anoraks were reinvented by Irish designer Robyn Lynch, who this season collaborated with 1970s athleisure brand C.P. Company. —Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024

Now, with LadBaby official out of the race for the coveted U.K. Christmas No. 1, chart anoraks will keep a close eye on the ascent of the Pogues’ masterpiece. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019

The best anoraks are the Eagle Scouts of jackets, ready to shield us from fickle outdoor conditions. —Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2023

The brand's anorak has a large pouch in the middle. —WIRED, 2 Nov. 2023

Founded in Canada, the sporting goods company's slick gear, from anoraks and insulated jackets to backpacks and harnesses, is smart and tough. —Nila Do Simon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2023

Shop for stylish and functional anorak jackets for the dropping temperatures, below! —Tanisha Pina, Peoplemag, 25 Aug. 2023

For stars like Cindy Crawford, nature's rainiest season calls for chic anorak rain jackets. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Norwegian, Danish or German, borrowed from Greenlandic Inuit annoraaq, name for a hooded outer garment originally made of skin; (sense 2) from the alleged popularity of anoraks as outerwear among such people

Note: The word was initially circulated in English through translations of accounts of polar expeditions, particularly those by Fridtjof nansen, who also wrote about the lives and culture of Greenland Inuit.

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1