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

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

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