pinafore

noun

pin·​a·​fore ˈpi-nə-ˌfȯr How to pronounce pinafore (audio)
: a sleeveless usually low-necked garment fastened in the back and worn as an apron or dress
pinafored adjective

Examples of pinafore 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.
Frame is getting to the fall spirit with a cotton denim pinafore dress and corduroy coordinates. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 Sep. 2025 Lady Mary Crawley’s wedding dress and bouquet, several of Mrs. Patmore’s cooks’ uniforms and pinafores, and a pair of white gloves worn by Thomas Barrow are among the highlights. Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025 Luckily for us, Amazon's dresses section is full of deals on sundresses with pockets, breezy maxis, backless pinafores, and formal party gowns. Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024 The evening truly goes on the fritz when Lilly, Torelli’s young Satanist, enters in a pinafore doing an unnervingly wonderful impersonation of an ordinary schoolgirl. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pinafore

Word History

Etymology

pin entry 2 + afore

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinafore was in 1782

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinafore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinafore. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinafore

noun
pin·​afore
ˈpin-ə-ˌfō(ə)r,
-ˌfȯ(ə)r
: a low-necked sleeveless garment worn especially by children

More from Merriam-Webster on pinafore

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