gown

noun

ˈgau̇n 

1

a

: a loose flowing outer garment formerly worn by men

b

: a distinctive robe worn by a professional or academic person

c

: a woman's dress

d(1)

: dressing gown

(2)

: nightgown

e

: a coverall worn in an operating room

2

: the body of students and faculty of a college or university

rivalry between town and gown

gown transitive verb

Synonyms

• dress
• frock

Examples of gown in a Sentence

The bride wore a lovely lace wedding gown.

a shopping trip for the express purpose of finding the perfect gown for the wedding

Recent Examples on the Web

Reach for a strapless column dress from Emilia Wickstead, or opt for a sultry cowl-neck gown by Reformation for the ultimate cool-girl look. —Anny Choi, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2025

The Anniversary Special in New York City on Feb. 16. 56 of 120 Easy Glamour Pamela Anderson looks radiant in a white gown at the 2025 BAFTAs in London on Feb. 16. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

The actress walked the red carpet in a one-shoulder Gucci gown featuring a high slit and the Italian label’s signature horsebit hardware. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025

The gowns were also decorated with ivory and amber pendants in the shape of birds and acorns. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French gune, goune, from Late Latin gunna, a fur or leather garment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gown

• ball gown
• dressing gown
• evening gown
• Geneva gown
• hospital gown
• tea gown

Kids Definition

gown

noun

ˈgau̇n 

1

: an official robe worn especially by a judge, a member of the clergy, or a teacher

2

: a woman's dress

especially : one suitable for afternoon or evening wear

3

: a loose robe (as a dressing gown or a nightgown)

gown verb

gowned

ˈgau̇nd

adjective

Medical Definition

gown

noun

ˈgau̇n 

: a garment designed to be worn by health care professionals or patients: such as

a

: a sterile one-piece coverall worn by health care personnel especially during a medical procedure to prevent the dispersal of bodily fluids or infectious material : surgical gown

b

: a loose robe that is usually open in the back and is worn by patients in a medical facility (such as a hospital) : hospital gown