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

Homing in on the intersection of athleticism and elegance, the drop encompasses anoraks and shorts, tracksuits, hoodies, polos, T-shirts and skirts. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 May 2025

Spring’s most wearable trend borrows from the gym but lands firmly in the fashion arena—think anoraks, swishy shorts, and even sports bras styled with just off-center polish. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 1 May 2025

While varsity jackets, windbreakers, and anoraks all fit the bill, a retro track jacket is the move. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 14 Mar. 2025

Think convertible anoraks, packable neoprene ballet flats, oversize scrunchies that double as mini purses! —Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025

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borrowed from Norwegian, Danish or German, borrowed from Greenlandic Inuit annoraaq, name for a hooded outer garment originally made of skin; (sense 2) from the alleged popularity of anoraks as outerwear among such people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

Rhymes for anorak

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback