vestment

noun

vest·​ment ˈves(t)-mənt 

1

a

: an outer garment

especially : a robe of ceremony or office

b

vestments ˈves(t)-mənts  plural : clothing, garb

2

: a covering resembling a garment

3

: one of the articles of the ceremonial attire and insignia worn by ecclesiastical officiants and assistants as indicative of their rank and appropriate to the rite being celebrated

vestmental

ves(t)-ˈmen-tᵊl 

adjective

Synonyms

• apparel
• attire
• clobber [British slang]
• clothes
• clothing
• costumery
• dress
• duds
• garments
• gear
• habiliment(s)
• habit [archaic]
• rags
• raiment
• rig
• rigging
• threads
• toggery
• togs
• vestiary
• vesture
• wear
• wearables
• weeds

Examples of vestment in a Sentence

wore professional vestments to the interview to give her potential future employer a good first impression

Recent Examples on the Web

In a small tailor shop steps from the Vatican, Raniero Mancinelli is putting the final touches to the new pope’s vestments. —Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025

Until his funeral this weekend, Francis’ body, adorned in his papal vestments, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025

The pope wears red vestments and his bishop's miter. —Lauren Frayer, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025

Tucci, clothed in luxurious vestments, plays Bellini, a cardinal wrestling with his own ambitions. —Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vestement, from Anglo-French, from Latin vestimentum, from vestire to clothe

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

vestment

noun

vest·​ment ˈves(t)-mənt 

: an outer garment especially for wear during ceremonies or by an official