gown

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
  2. noun the members of a university as distinguished from the other residents of the town in which the university is located
  3. noun lingerie consisting of a loose dress designed to be worn in bed by women

Etymology

From Middle English gowne, from Anglo-Norman goune, gune (“fur-trimmed coat, pelisse”), from Old French goune, from Late Latin gunna (“leather garment, a fur”). Cognate with Manx gooyn, Irish gúna.

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