caftan

noun

caf·​tan ˈkaf-(ˌ)tan How to pronounce caftan (audio)
variants or less commonly
: 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
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.
The boutique—carrying caftans, sandals, bags, jewelry, and home decor, almost all of it by Moroccan makers—also has a new floor layout and fresh collections. Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 The collection — about 80 to 90 pieces — leans into easy caftans, terry hoodies and airy gowns, in bright hues, tie-dyes, organic cottons and satins. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 Her bullish head was perched atop a majestically massive silhouette, and her clothes—Chinese robes and corduroy caftans—gave her a shamanic aura. Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 Odette was moving in their direction, liquid silver caftan flowing around her. Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for caftan

Word History

Etymology

Russian & Turkish; Russian kaftan, from Turkish, from Persian qaftān

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caftan was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caftan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caftan. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on caftan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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