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

• clothes
• clothing
• attire
• garments
• dress
• apparel

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

Archbishop Diego Giovani Ravelli could be seen in purple vestments closing the doors to the Sistine Chapel (below) on Wednesday. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 7 May 2025

The Pope was pictured lying in a wooden casket wearing red vestments and his bishop’s miter. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The cardinals who elected the 267th pontiff a day earlier were seen dressed in white traditional white vestments and tall miters, sitting in rows of chairs underneath Michelangelo's vaulted ceiling. —Zoë Richards, NBC news, 9 May 2025

This is in contrast to Francis, his predecessor, who opted for all-white vestments upon his election in 2013. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 May 2025

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