cowl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1literary, formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “cowl” mean?
A loose garment or hood, especially one forming part of a monk's habit or worn over the head and shoulders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loose garment or hood, especially one forming part of a monk's habit or worn over the head and shoulders.
A hood-shaped covering, such as a chimney covering, a metal cap on a vehicle exhaust, or the forward part of an aircraft's fuselage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both varieties use the word in similar contexts. The automotive/engineering sense is universally technical.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is historical/religious (monk's habit) or technical. In fashion, 'cowl neck' is a neutral descriptor.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to greater prevalence of historical/architectural discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “cowl” in a Sentence
[cowl] of [material] (e.g., cowl of heavy wool)[adjective] cowl (e.g., deep cowl)wear a [cowl]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cowl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The exhaust was cowled to direct fumes upwards.
- The engine is cowled for aerodynamic efficiency.
American English
- They cowled the chimney to prevent downdrafts.
- The design cowls the air intake.
adjective
British English
- She admired the cowl-necked design of the dress.
- The fireplace had a cowl-shaped cover.
American English
- It was a simple, cowl-collared tunic.
- The cowl-like attachment improved performance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in fashion retail describing a 'cowl neck sweater'.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and architectural texts.
Everyday
Most common in fashion ('cowl neck top') or when discussing chimneys/historical dress.
Technical
Common in engineering (exhaust cowl), aviation (engine cowl), architecture (chimney cowl).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cowl”
- Misspelling as 'coul'.
- Confusing 'cowl' (garment/hood) with 'cowl' (technical covering).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'hood' in non-specific contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word mostly found in specific historical, fashion, or technical contexts.
A 'hood' is a general head covering, often attached to a coat. A 'cowl' is a specific, often loose and draped, hood-like garment, historically part of a monk's habit, or a technical covering shaped like a hood.
Yes, in technical contexts (e.g., engineering, aviation) it means to cover or fit with a cowl-shaped device.
It describes a neckline on a garment that is draped softly around the neck, creating loose, hanging folds, often seen on sweaters and evening dresses.
A loose garment or hood, especially one forming part of a monk's habit or worn over the head and shoulders.
Cowl is usually literary, formal, technical in register.
Cowl: in British English it is pronounced /kaʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kaʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; sometimes used poetically, e.g., 'the cowl of night'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OWL hiding in the COWL of a monk's hood.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVERING IS A GARMENT (e.g., 'night's cowl', 'cowl of secrecy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cowl' most likely to be used in everyday modern English?