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

Several men in traditional djellaba robes and balgha slippers banged on drums and led the joyous chants to extend the party, which was hosted by the Moroccan American Council Association of South Florida. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026

Refresh your summer with luxurious towels and robes from Cozy Earth. —ABC News, 13 June 2026

Verb

The most recognizable are Semana Santa, or Holy Week, processions during the final week of Lent where brotherhoods and robed penitents parade ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through cities, towns and villages alongside marching bands. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

The most recognizable are Holy Week processions during the final week of Lent where brotherhoods and robed penitents parade ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through cities, towns and villages alongside marching bands. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026

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
• 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