shawl

1 of 2

noun

: a square or oblong usually fabric garment or wrapper used especially as a covering for the head or shoulders

shawl

2 of 2

verb

shawled; shawling; shawls

transitive verb

: to wrap in or as if in a shawl

Examples of shawl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Each received a shawl made of khadi, a handspun fabric that was promoted by Gandhi during India’s independence movement against the British. Krutika Pathi and Adam Schreck, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023 Another look that oozed cool involved a strappy tank top, black trousers, some dramatic accessories, and a flowing shawl, its fringed edges dancing like luxe hay. Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 9 Sep. 2023 Charlene remembers wrapping her head in the shawl, and in that exact moment, Jonathan found a pulse. Amanda Kabbabe, ELLE, 6 Sep. 2023 Gigi Hadid, meanwhile, has been photographed in New York City wearing cable knit a good two months ahead of schedule, while Meghan Markle has taken it a step even further with a full on camel coat and cashmere shawl combo in August. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2023 Pair it with your favorite shawl to add an extra touch of elegance. Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 24 July 2023 On a recent tour, Jack Gary, the director of archaeology, described the artifacts excavated so far, including coins, buttons, doll fragments and, near the entrance to the original structure, some 160 straight pins — likely dropped by congregants removing hats and shawls. Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, 8 May 2023 Pottery and bags, shawls and leather, restaurants offering precisely the food Americans won’t eat: octopus, rabbit, and snails. Andrew Sean Greer, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2023 The dress came with a matching highlighter green puffer hooded shawl. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 July 2023
Verb
He was also known for living an ascetic lifestyle, often dressing in a loincloth and shawl only. Nayeli Lomeli, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shawl.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Persian shāl

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shawl was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near shawl

Cite this Entry

“Shawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shawl. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

shawl

1 of 2 noun
: a square or oblong piece of woven or knitted fabric used especially as a covering for the head or shoulders

shawl

2 of 2 verb
: to wrap in or as if in a shawl
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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