WordGarden.io
Back to search

nightdress

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /nˈaɪtdrɛs/

US

  • /ˈnaɪt.drɛs/BritishSouthernStandardnoun

Description

Picture the quiet end of the day, when someone changes into something soft and loose before bed. A nightdress is a one-piece garment worn for sleeping, usually by women or girls. It often falls loosely from the shoulders and can be short or long. Many are made to feel comfortable and light, though some are simple and plain while others have lace or other small details. You may come across this word in everyday talk, clothing stores, or older stories where people wear this kind of sleepwear to bed.

Examples

  1. 1

    Bedtime clothing

    She put on a clean cotton nightdress and climbed into bed.

    • Usage

      nightdress is mainly British English; nightgown is more common in American English

  2. 2

    At the door

    I answered the door in my nightdress because I thought it was my sister.

  3. 3

    Travel packing

    She packed two nightdresses and a pair of slippers for the weekend.

See also

nouna loose garment worn in bed, typically by women or girls

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • cotton nightdress
  • silk nightdress
  • wear a nightdress

Explore

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • nightdressnoun