capuche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “capuche” mean?
A hood on a coat, jacket, or cloak, often of a pointed or flowing design.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hood on a coat, jacket, or cloak, often of a pointed or flowing design.
A detachable or attached hood, particularly one with a long, pointed peak, historically associated with monastic or academic robes, and now commonly seen on parkas and winter coats.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both varieties, but slightly more likely to appear in British English in historical or academic dress contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of historical, monastic, or formal/ceremonial attire. In modern contexts, it may imply a specific, often detachable, hood design.
Frequency
Very low frequency. The general term 'hood' is overwhelmingly preferred in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “capuche” in a Sentence
The [garment] has a [adjective] capuche.She wore a cloak with a flowing capuche.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capuche” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monk's capuche robe was simple and brown.
American English
- She preferred jackets with a capuche design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in high-end fashion retail or historical costume design.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or fashion history texts discussing medieval or monastic dress.
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Hood' is always used instead.
Technical
Used in tailoring, historical reenactment, and costume design specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capuche”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkæpjuːtʃ/ or /kəˈpʊtʃ/.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'hood' is appropriate.
- Confusing it with 'cagoule' (a lightweight hooded jacket).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term. The common word for this item is 'hood'.
They are often synonymous, especially in historical contexts. 'Cowl' can also refer to the whole hooded robe, whereas 'capuche' more specifically denotes the hood itself.
It would be highly unusual and potentially pretentious. 'Hood' is the correct and natural term for everyday use.
It derives from the Italian 'cappuccio', meaning 'hood', which is related to 'cappuccino', named after the colour of Capuchin monks' habits.
A hood on a coat, jacket, or cloak, often of a pointed or flowing design.
Capuche is usually formal / technical in register.
Capuche: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈpuːʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈpuʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cape with a HUGE hood – that's a CAPUCHE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHELTERING HOOD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'capuche' most appropriately used?