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

For summertime, there is nothing as equally chic and functional as a caftan. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

Pieces from his grand wardrobe will also be on view at the Costume Institute’s exhibition, including a caftan by Patience Torlowei and pieces of his aforementioned Louis Vuitton luggage. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 May 2025

The brand played a key role in honoring Thai heritage through costume and set design, with characters like Belinda and Victoria styled in Jim Thompson caftans. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The other tables were filled with sleek women in sheer caftans, their hair and skin salty and sun-kissed. —Julia Chaplin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 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