cravat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, old-fashioned, sartorial
Quick answer
What does “cravat” mean?
A short, wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt.
A term for a necktie, especially one worn loosely or tied in a bow, often associated with historical or formal dress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly used in UK English, often in descriptions of historical or ceremonial attire (e.g., at weddings, in period dramas). In US English, 'ascot' is a more familiar near-synonym for a similar loose neckwear style.
Connotations
In both, connotes sophistication, tradition, and formality. In the UK, it may have stronger associations with aristocracy, military dress, and specific professions (e.g., barristers).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, though still a low-frequency word overall. Very rare in casual American speech.
Grammar
How to Use “cravat” in a Sentence
wear a cravattie a cravatadjust one's cravatfasten a cravat with a pinVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in modern business contexts, except perhaps in very formal or traditional industries like bespoke tailoring.
Academic
Appears in historical, literary, or fashion studies texts discussing period costume.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Might be used when describing very formal wedding attire or a costume.
Technical
Used in the specific terminology of fashion history, menswear, and costume design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cravat”
- Using 'cravat' to refer to a standard modern necktie worn with a suit. Confusing it with a bow tie.
- Incorrect plural: 'cravates' (correct: 'cravats').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A modern necktie is typically long, narrow, and tied in a knot that hangs down. A cravat is usually shorter, wider, and designed to be tucked into the shirt front or worn loosely.
Most commonly at very formal daytime events like weddings (especially in morning dress), at certain traditional ceremonies, or as a fashion statement in avant-garde or vintage-inspired outfits.
The terms are often used interchangeably, especially in American English. Technically, an 'ascot' is a specific type of cravat, traditionally worn with morning dress and held in place with a pin. 'Cravat' is the broader, more historical term.
It derives from the French 'cravate', which itself came from 'Cravate', the French word for a Croat (Hrvat). It refers to the linen neckwear worn by 17th-century Croatian mercenaries in the French army, which became fashionable in Paris.
A short, wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt.
Cravat is usually formal, old-fashioned, sartorial in register.
Cravat: in British English it is pronounced /krəˈvæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /krəˈvæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BRAVE CAT wearing a fancy silk scarf (cravat) around its neck to look distinguished.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING AS A MARK OF STATUS/REFINEMENT (a cravat metaphorically signals elegance and old-world sophistication).
Practice
Quiz
A 'cravat' is most specifically: