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 of vestment

• clothes
• clothing
• attire
• garments
• dress

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

On Friday, the Vatican released the first images of Leo since his surgery, showing him in green vestments standing at an altar in the hospital chapel. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

The photos show Leo standing up at the altar in green vestments celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel that has been set up for him. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026

The photos show Leo standing up at the altar in green vestments celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel that has been set up for him in Gemelli hospital. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Medieval women who repaired church vestments and poor people’s clothes were considered virtuous. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026

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