caracalla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (C2)Academic, historical
Quick answer
What does “caracalla” mean?
A heavy woolen cloak with a hood, worn originally in ancient Rome.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy woolen cloak with a hood, worn originally in ancient Rome.
Historically, a garment worn by Roman soldiers and civilians for warmth; also, a style of beard (the 'Caracalla beard') named after the emperor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences. The term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical/archaeological scholarship or classical reenactment.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language; used almost solely by classicists, historians, or costume experts.
Grammar
How to Use “caracalla” in a Sentence
The legionary wore a [caracalla].A [caracalla] was standard issue for cold climates.The [caracalla] featured a distinctive hood.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caracalla” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The caracalla style of beard was famously worn by the emperor.
- They sell caracalla-style cloaks at the reenactment fair.
American English
- His caracalla beard was neatly trimmed.
- The exhibit featured a caracalla-type hood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, and classical studies texts. E.g., 'The depiction shows the emperor in a caracalla.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in historical reenactment, costume design for period dramas, and museology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caracalla”
- Misspelling as 'caracala' or 'carracalla'.
- Confusing it with the emperor's name only and not recognising its meaning as a garment.
- Incorrect plural: 'caracallas' is acceptable, but 'caracallae' is the more historically accurate Latin plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in historical contexts.
The Roman Emperor Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) was popularly associated with this garment, either because he made it fashionable or because he commonly wore it.
Rarely. It might be used by fashion historians to describe a modern hooded coat that deliberately mimics the ancient Roman style.
A toga was a formal, draped garment of white wool, worn by male citizens in Rome itself. A caracalla was a practical, hooded, travelling cloak, often associated with the military and the provinces.
A heavy woolen cloak with a hood, worn originally in ancient Rome.
Caracalla is usually academic, historical in register.
Caracalla: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkærəˈkælə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɛrəˈkɑlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CARACALLA: Imagine a Roman soldier in a CAR, with an AC (air conditioner) on, still wrapped in a heavy, ALL-covering LA (wool) cloak. CAR-AC-ALL-A cloak.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this historical object term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'caracalla' primarily?