cap and gown: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal, Ceremonial
Quick answer
What does “cap and gown” mean?
The traditional ceremonial clothing worn at graduation ceremonies, consisting of a square academic cap (mortarboard) and a flowing robe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The traditional ceremonial clothing worn at graduation ceremonies, consisting of a square academic cap (mortarboard) and a flowing robe.
A metonym for the academic ceremony of graduation itself, or the state of being a graduate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical; the garments are standard across Anglophone academic traditions.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal graduation from secondary school (UK: sixth form/college) or university in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US contexts related to graduation ceremonies.
Grammar
How to Use “cap and gown” in a Sentence
wear (the) cap and gowndressed in cap and gownthe cap and gown of [university name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cap and gown” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The graduates will cap and gown in the robing room before the ceremony.
American English
- Seniors cap and gown for the procession at 2 PM.
adjective
British English
- The cap-and-gown procession filed into the hall.
American English
- It was a classic cap-and-gown graduation ceremony.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; only in the context of corporate-sponsored graduation events or employee achievement ceremonies.
Academic
Primary context. Refers to the attire for graduation, convocation, or honorary degree ceremonies.
Everyday
Used when discussing graduation plans, photos, or ceremonies with family and friends.
Technical
Not applicable outside of discussions of academic tradition and ceremony planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cap and gown”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cap and gown”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cap and gown”
- Using plural verb for the singular concept (e.g., 'The cap and gown are...' is less common). Confusing it with general formal wear.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a singular noun phrase because it refers to a single outfit, e.g., 'The cap and gown is provided by the university.'
Yes, informally, especially in American English, e.g., 'We need to cap and gown by 9 AM.' It means 'to put on academic regalia.'
The square cap is called a 'mortarboard' due to its resemblance to a mason's tool.
Typically, yes, for graduation ceremonies for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, though the style, colour, and hood details vary by institution and degree level.
The traditional ceremonial clothing worn at graduation ceremonies, consisting of a square academic cap (mortarboard) and a flowing robe.
Cap and gown is usually formal, ceremonial in register.
Cap and gown: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæp ən ˈɡaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkæp ən ˈɡaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cap and Gown Day”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CAP your studies and GOWN up for the celebration.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A CEREMONIAL JOURNEY (donning the cap and gown marks the end of the journey).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'cap and gown' primarily symbolise?