robe

1 of 2

noun

ˈrōb 

1

a

: a long flowing outer garment

especially : one used for ceremonial occasions or as a symbol of office or profession

b

: a loose garment (such as a bathrobe) for informal wear especially at home

2

: covering, mantle

… peaks on the axis of the range in their robes of snow and light.

—John Muir

3

: a covering of pelts or fabric for the lower body used while driving or at outdoor events

robe

2 of 2

verb

robed; robing

transitive verb

: to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe

intransitive verb

1

: to put on a robe

2

: dress

Synonyms of robe

Noun

• cloak
• veil
• shroud
• wraps
• blanket

Verb

• clothe
• dress
• gown
• costume
• garment
• attire

Examples of robe in a Sentence

Noun

The priest wore a purple robe.

with the coming of spring the hills will once again don their robes of green

Verb

robed the queen in her ceremonial garments

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Consider grabbing this luxe robe from Barefoot Dreams, a brand that’s earned Oprah’s stamp of approval. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

In popular culture, the archetypal look of a witch is a female figure generally depicted wearing a black dress, robe, or cloak. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

Verb

Men’s kimono robes FAQ What is the best way to wash a kimono robe? —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Attendees were robed in red, white and blue, as well as Army, Navy and Air Force attire. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, booty, clothing, robe, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German roubōn to rob

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing robe

• lap robe
• robe de chambre

Rhymes for robe

• globe
• jobe
• lobe
• probe
• strobe
• bathrobe
• earlobe
• microbe
• niobe
• wardrobe
• microprobe

Kids Definition

robe

1 of 2 noun

ˈrōb 

1

: a long loose or flowing garment

2

: a covering or wrap for the lower body

robe

2 of 2 verb

robed; robing

1

: to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe

2

: dress entry 1 sense 2a

Legal Definition

robe

noun

: the legal profession

especially : the position of a judge

—usually used with the

[his]…decision to decline the robe

—H. B. Zobel