peplum

noun

pep·​lum ˈpe-pləm 

: a short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress

peplumed

ˈpe-pləmd 

adjective

Illustration of peplum

Examples of peplum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Giannulli wore a sheer black gown with a halter-neck top connected to a peplum skirt with a small train for the occasion, while the actress slipped into a strappy silver Rebecca Vallance dress with a high slit. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 16 Sep. 2026

Volume and shape played a starring role as well, from bubble hems and layered ruffles to peplums and drop-waists. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026

Her footwear accompanied a fall 2012 Gucci by Frida Giannini plum peplum jacket and high-neck ruffled blouse, along with a silky black knee-length skirt with a ruffled hem. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Add a tank top with your favorite sneakers and a denim button-down for fall, or style them with heeled sandals and a peplum top for an elevated look before summer ends. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek peplon peplos

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above