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

During the Edwardian period and early 20th century, luxury fur coats, full-length wraps, stoles, and extravagant collars were at the height of fashion—as much a symbol of wealth as any jewel. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

Covering 500,000 works that Anthropic pirated for AI training, if a court approves the settlement, each author will receive $3,000 per work that Anthropic stole. —Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025

Such stoles, with taxidermied heads still attached, were in fashion in 1938, when the young artist Carol Rama (1918–2015) painted this curious scene. —Elizabeth Mangini, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025

Among the collectibles on offer are 138 bags and small leather goods, ranging from Speedies, Neverfulls, and CarryAlls; 77 pieces of jewelry and accessories; 80 scarves, shawls, and stoles done up in silk and cashmere; and 10 ready-to-wear pieces. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 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