anorak

noun an·o·rak \ ˈa-nə-ˌrak \

Definition of anorak

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

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Recent Examples of anorak from the Web

The clothes themselves — sharp anoraks, three-quarter raincoats, and roomy cropped trousers — receded.

— vincent boucher, The Cut, "What We Saw at the New York’s Menswear Shows This Week," 14 July 2017
In Paris, Piccioli ditched the suiting in favor of slim track pants, oversize anoraks, and a new, beaded sneaker style that's part moccasin, part runner.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "Track Is Back at Valentino Men's Spring 2018," 21 June 2017
Safari jackets and anoraks had big utilitarian pockets, while retaining the brand’s careful lines, while oversized sweaters had a more relaxed feel.

— colleen barry, The Seattle Times, "Shawn Mendes takes a turn on the Emporio Armani runway," 17 June 2017
A thin Columbia anorak hung from her chair, dangly sterling-silver feathers from her ears.

— daniel wenger, The New Yorker, "Advice for Progressives from America’s Radical Feminist Governor," 2 Feb. 2017
The second suicide bomber had blown himself up about 30 or 40 meters to my right, and there was a lot of stuffing from the anorak’s inner lining, a kind of white cotton that the wind was blowing.

— alissa j. rubin, New York Times, "Paris: One Year On," 12 Nov. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anorak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of anorak

Dan, from Inuit (Greenland) annoraaq

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First Known Use: 1877

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British Definition of ANORAK

anorak

noun

British Definition of anorak

, :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

ANORAK Defined for English Language Learners

anorak

noun

Definition of anorak for English Language Learners

: a jacket that has a hood and that is long enough to cover your hips
: a person who is extremely interested in something that other people find boring

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