caftan

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

kaftan

2 of 2

noun (2)

kaf·​tan

less common spelling of caftan

: 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

Noun

Pollonia Fashion boutique Vanilla carries resort wear by Greek designers, including bold print dresses and flowing caftans. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

The best caftans feel lightweight and roomy without overwhelming your frame. — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Noun

There are plenty of must-have dresses, too, including this $10 T-shirt dress, a flattering floral wrap dress, and a light and flowy kaftan. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Before the ceremony, Anderson wore several other gowns by the designer including an oversized kaftan with a fringe hem and a black floral kaftan for a pre-wedding dinner. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for caftan

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman
• flagman

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