gown

noun

ˈgau̇n 

1

a

: a usually long and formal woman's dress

a wedding gown

b

: a distinctive robe worn by a professional or academic person

a graduation gown

c

: a distinctive long outer garment worn by a member of the clergy

d

: a loose flowing outer garment worn formerly by men

e(1)

: dressing gown

(2)

: nightgown

f

: a coverall worn in an operating room

2

: the body of students and faculty of a college or university

rivalry between town and gown

gown transitive verb

Synonyms of gown

• dress

Examples of gown in a Sentence

The bride wore a lovely lace wedding gown.

a shopping trip for the express purpose of finding the perfect gown for the wedding

Recent Examples on the Web

As luxury bridal week in New York unfolds, we’re reminded that weddings aren’t just about a gown or a suit, but an entire head-to-toe look — and that includes shoes. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

The characters wear muted, sweeping gowns, their hair often loose. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Sleepwear including gowns and robes are crafted from a luxurious rayon/spandex blend for a lightweight feel with delicate lace detailing. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

There were loads of other striking red carpet moments in London, too, Florence Pugh’s corseted Wiederhoeft gown and Scarlett Johansson’s red-hot custom Prada dress being two prime examples. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French gune, goune, from Late Latin gunna, a fur or leather garment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Phrases Containing gown

• ball gown
• dressing gown
• evening gown
• Geneva gown
• hospital gown
• tea gown

Rhymes for gown

• bown
• clown
• crown
• drown
• frown
• lown
• noun
• town
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown

Kids Definition

gown

noun

ˈgau̇n 

1

: an official robe worn especially by a judge, a member of the clergy, or a teacher

2

: a woman's dress

especially : one suitable for afternoon or evening wear

3

: a loose robe (as a dressing gown or a nightgown)

gown verb

gowned

ˈgau̇nd

adjective

Medical Definition

gown

noun

ˈgau̇n 

: a garment designed to be worn by health care professionals or patients: such as

a

: a sterile one-piece coverall worn by health care personnel especially during a medical procedure to prevent the dispersal of bodily fluids or infectious material : surgical gown

b

: a loose robe that is usually open in the back and is worn by patients in a medical facility (such as a hospital) : hospital gown