donned: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, sometimes Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “donned” mean?
To put on (a piece of clothing, item of attire). The past tense and past participle of 'don'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To put on (a piece of clothing, item of attire). The past tense and past participle of 'don'.
Formally or ceremoniously put on. Can be used metaphorically to mean to assume or take on a role, character, or attitude.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both dialects, though 'donned' may appear slightly more frequent in UK formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of formality, ceremony, or gravitas when used for clothing. The metaphorical use is equally common in both.
Frequency
Low to medium frequency. More common in written language (e.g., news reports, literature, formal descriptions) than in everyday spoken English.
Grammar
How to Use “donned” in a Sentence
Subject + donned + Direct Object (garment/attribute)Subject + donned + Direct Object + for + event/roleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “donned” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister donned his wig and gown before entering court.
- For the village fête, he donned a pair of wellies and an old mac.
American English
- The firefighter donned her oxygen tank before entering the blaze.
- He donned a cowboy hat for the Texas-themed party.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'She donned the role of interim CEO.'
Academic
Used in historical or literary analysis to describe formal attire or metaphorical assumption.
Everyday
Uncommon. Most speakers would say 'put on'. 'He donned his coat' sounds overly formal.
Technical
Used in contexts like historical reenactment, theatre ('donned a costume'), or protective gear ('donned the respirator').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “donned”
- Using it as a present tense (e.g., 'I will donned' is wrong).
- Using it for casual clothing without intentional stylistic effect.
- Confusing spelling: 'doned' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively formal and literary. In everyday speech, 'put on' is far more common.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically for roles, attitudes, or expressions (e.g., 'donned a smile', 'donned an air of authority').
The direct, albeit equally formal, opposite is 'doffed' (meaning to take off an item of clothing, especially a hat). In modern English, 'removed' or 'took off' are more common opposites.
Not exactly. 'Donned' describes the specific *act* of putting on. 'Wore' describes the *state* of having something on. You donned a coat, then wore it all day.
To put on (a piece of clothing, item of attire). The past tense and past participle of 'don'.
Donned is usually formal, literary, sometimes journalistic in register.
Donned: in British English it is pronounced /dɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “donned his thinking cap”
- “donned the mantle of leadership”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DONned as a short, old-fashioned way to say 'put ON'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A ROLE / A DISGUISE (e.g., 'donned a persona', 'donned a facade').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'donned' used most appropriately?