chador: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “chador” mean?
A large piece of cloth, usually black, worn by some Muslim women to cover their head and body, leaving the face visible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large piece of cloth, usually black, worn by some Muslim women to cover their head and body, leaving the face visible.
A full-body, cloak-like garment worn as an outer garment, signifying modesty and religious adherence in some Islamic traditions. It is a cultural and religious symbol, not merely a piece of clothing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation difference. The concept is equally understood in both varieties due to media coverage of global affairs.
Connotations
Carries similar cultural and religious connotations. In both contexts, the word often appears in political, religious, or anthropological discussions rather than casual conversation.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in both varieties, appearing primarily in specific contexts like news reporting, academic texts, or travel writing.
Grammar
How to Use “chador” in a Sentence
[wear/be draped in/have on] a chadorThe chador [covers/conceals/drapes] the body.A chador [is/is made of/is worn as]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chador” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form exists. The concept is expressed periphrastically: 'to wear a chador']
American English
- [No standard verb form exists. The concept is expressed periphrastically: 'to don a chador']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'chador']
American English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'chador']
adjective
British English
- The chador-clad women entered the mosque.
- She maintained a chador-observant lifestyle.
American English
- The chador-wearing protestor made a statement.
- It was a chador-friendly environment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in reports on Middle Eastern markets or discussions of dress codes for business trips.
Academic
Common in Anthropology, Religious Studies, Gender Studies, and Political Science texts discussing Islamic culture, women's roles, and modesty.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only be used when specifically describing the garment, perhaps in travel stories or news discussions.
Technical
Used in fashion/costume history, cultural studies, and religious documentation with precise description.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chador”
- Misspelling as 'chaddor', 'chadar' (though this is a variant).
- Pronouncing the 'ch' as in 'chair' is correct, but some might mistakenly use a 'sh' or 'k' sound.
- Using it as a generic term for any Islamic head covering.
- Treating it as a countable noun without an article: 'She wears chador' vs. 'She wears a chador'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A chador is a full-body cloak that leaves the face completely visible. A burqa covers the entire body and face, with a mesh screen to see through.
The chador is most strongly associated with Iran, but variations are also worn in parts of Iraq, Afghanistan (where it may be called a chadaree), and by some Shia communities elsewhere.
In Iran, a form of head covering is legally mandatory for women, but the specific full-length chador is not required by law for all; it is often a cultural and personal choice, though social and religious pressure can be factors.
No. 'Chador' refers specifically to a woman's garment. There is no common equivalent for men in modern usage.
A large piece of cloth, usually black, worn by some Muslim women to cover their head and body, leaving the face visible.
Chador is usually formal, academic in register.
Chador: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌdɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific lexical item]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHAIR + DOOR'. Imagine a woman modestly covering herself with a large cloth while sitting on a CHAIR near a DOOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
The chador is a SHIELD (against immodest gazes), a SYMBOL (of faith and cultural identity), and a BURDEN/EMANCIPATION (depending on viewpoint, representing restriction or pious freedom).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following garments is most similar to a chador?