robe

1 of 2

noun

ˈrōb 

1

a

: a long flowing outer garment

especially : one used for ceremonial occasions or as a symbol of office or profession

b

: a loose garment (such as a bathrobe) for informal wear especially at home

2

: covering, mantle

peaks on the axis of the range in their robes of snow and light

—John Muir

3

: a covering of pelts or fabric for the lower body used while driving or at outdoor events

robe

2 of 2

verb

robed; robing

transitive verb

: to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe

intransitive verb

1

: to put on a robe

2

: dress

Synonyms

Noun

• blanket
• cloak
• cope
• cover
• cover-up
• covering
• coverture
• curtain
• hood
• mantle
• mask
• pall
• penumbra
• shroud
• veil
• wraps

Verb

• apparel
• array
• attire
• bedeck
• caparison
• clothe
• costume
• deck (out)
• do up
• dress
• dress up
• enrobe
• garb
• garment
• get up
• gown
• habit
• invest
• rig (out)
• suit
• tog (up or out)
• toilet
• vesture

Examples of robe in a Sentence

Noun

The priest wore a purple robe.

with the coming of spring the hills will once again don their robes of green

Verb

robed the queen in her ceremonial garments

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For example: Gigi Hadid yesterday afternoon posed at the opening of a Guest in Residence pop-up in Seoul, dressed in a cashmere robe with soft shoulders and a big wraparound belt with straight-legged jeans, and sockless Miu Miu loafers. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024

Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe This is the perfect out-of-the-shower robe because it’s made out of the same cotton as the brand's Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Sheets (picture in the back!): absorbent, durable, and super-plush (hence its name). —Allure, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

Consider filling in the gaps with some light profiteroles, robed in dark chocolate sauce at the table. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 11 July 2024

He was robed for an event at the state Capitol on Thursday and said he’ll be dressed the same way on Saturday in Modesto. —Modesto Bee Staff, Sacramento Bee, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, booty, clothing, robe, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German roubōn to rob

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing robe

• lap robe
• robe de chambre

Kids Definition

robe

1 of 2 noun

ˈrōb 

1

: a long loose or flowing garment

2

: a covering or wrap for the lower body

robe

2 of 2 verb

robed; robing

1

: to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe

2

: dress entry 1 sense 2a

Legal Definition

robe

noun

: the legal profession

especially : the position of a judge

—usually used with the

[his]…decision to decline the robe

—H. B. Zobel