vestment

noun

vest·​ment ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce vestment (audio)
1
a
: an outer garment
especially : a robe of ceremony or office
b
vestments ˈves(t)-mənts How to pronounce vestment (audio) 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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The exhibit explored Catholic iconography in fashion, from papal vestments to more inspired takes from Gianni Versace, Coco Chanel, and more. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 May 2025 In pale habits, black priests’ vestments, the dark suits of mourners and the stripes of football jerseys, hundreds of thousands gathered in Vatican City this week to mourn Pope Francis. Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Since then, tens of thousands of faithful have lined multiple blocks to pay their final respects to Francis, dressed in red vestments with a traditional white bishop's mitre on his head. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 On Tuesday, the first images of Francis’ body were released by the Vatican, showing him in a wooden casket in red vestments. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vestment

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vestment was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vestment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vestment. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

vestment

noun
vest·​ment ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce vestment (audio)
: an outer garment especially for wear during ceremonies or by an official

More from Merriam-Webster on vestment

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