Gown
/ɡaʊn/noun
A long loose outer garment, especially a dress or robe worn on formal occasions or as part of a uniform.
Did you know?Gown is ultimately related to words for “carve” and “engrave,” because the ancient root behind it referred to cutting or shaping, not fashion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰew-
“to pour, pour out; to carve, hollow out”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*gawōną
“a cloak or outer garment”
Old English
English
gunna
“a gown or robe”
Middle English
English
goune
“a long outer garment, robe, or dress”
Modern English
English
gown
“a long loose outer garment or formal dress”
Explore more surprising origins