stole

1 of 2

past tense of steal

stole

2 of 2

noun

ˈstōl 

1

: a long loose garment : robe

2

: an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a long usually silk band worn traditionally around the neck by bishops and priests and over the left shoulder by deacons

3

: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Examples of stole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The liturgical garments – such as robes, stoles and hats – worn by the pope and other Christian church officials are known as vestments. —Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

The photo, showing Francis wearing a Lenten purple stole, marked the first image of the pope since he was admitted to Gemelli Feb. 14 with a complex lung infection that developed into double pneumonia. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

The singer and actress added a fur stole and black lace gloves. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Among the instruments Meng stole were a Giulio Degani violin worth $175,000, a Lorenzo Ventapane violin from 1823 valued at another $175,000, and several other violins and bows totaling over half a million dollars. —Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin stola, from Greek stolē equipment, robe, from stellein to set up, make ready

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stole

• boal
• bole
• bowl
• coal
• droll
• foal
• goal
• hole
• knoll
• kol
• mole
• noll

Kids Definition

stole

1 of 2

ˈstōl

past of steal

stole

2 of 2 noun

1

: a long narrow band worn around the neck by bishops and priests in ceremonies

2

: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Legal Definition

stole

past of steal