gabardine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/ˈɡæbədiːn/US/ˈɡæbərˌdiːn/

Formal, specialized (fashion/textiles), historical

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Quick answer

What does “gabardine” mean?

A tough, tightly woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton, used especially for suits, overcoats, and trousers.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A tough, tightly woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton, used especially for suits, overcoats, and trousers.

A coat, raincoat, or suit made from this fabric; historically, a long, loose gown or smock worn in the Middle Ages.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: 'gabardine' is standard in both, but 'gabar dine' is an occasional variant. The word is equally recognized in both varieties but might be considered slightly old-fashioned.

Connotations

Connotes durability, classic tailoring, and often a certain formality or traditional style (e.g., a trench coat).

Frequency

Moderately low frequency in general language; higher in contexts of fashion, tailoring, and historical costume.

Grammar

How to Use “gabardine” in a Sentence

[fabric] made of gabardine[garment] in gabardinea suit of gabardine

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
wool gabardinecotton gabardinegabardine suitgabardine coatgabardine trench coatgabardine trousers
medium
tailored gabardineheavy gabardinelightweight gabardinewear gabardinemade of gabardine
weak
elegant gabardineclassic gabardinedurable gabardinebeige gabardinenavy gabardine

Examples

Examples of “gabardine” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The gabardine trench coat is a timeless piece.
  • He preferred gabardine trousers for their neat drape.

American English

  • She wore a classic gabardine skirt.
  • The suit's gabardine fabric held a sharp crease.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in the context of textile manufacturing, retail (e.g., 'The autumn collection features premium wool gabardine').

Academic

Used in historical studies of dress and textile history.

Everyday

Most commonly encountered when shopping for or describing classic coats or suits.

Technical

A specific weave (a firm warp-faced twill) creating a diagonal rib on the fabric's surface.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “gabardine”

Weak

coatingwoollen fabric

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “gabardine”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “gabardine”

  • Using 'gabardine' to refer to any raincoat (it's a specific material).
  • Misspelling as 'gaberdine' (an acceptable historical variant, but less common for the fabric).
  • Pronouncing it /ɡəbɑːrˈdiːn/.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Gabardine is the fabric. The iconic Burberry trench coat was originally made from gabardine, but 'trench coat' refers to the style of the garment.

Yes. While originally and commonly made from worsted wool, cotton gabardine is very popular, especially for raincoats and summer suits due to its lighter weight.

It depends on the fibre (wool vs. cotton). Generally, wool gabardine suits should be professionally dry-cleaned. Cotton gabardine garments can often be gently machine-washed. Always check the care label.

In modern usage, 'gabardine' is the standard spelling for the fabric. 'Gaberdine' is an older variant, often used in historical contexts to refer to a long, loose cloak or smock.

A tough, tightly woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton, used especially for suits, overcoats, and trousers.

Gabardine is usually formal, specialized (fashion/textiles), historical in register.

Gabardine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæbədiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæbərˌdiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a GABardine suit as being fit for a British 'gab' (talk) in Parliament – formal, durable, and traditional.

Conceptual Metaphor

DURABILITY IS WEAVING (A tightly woven character/fabric); TRADITION IS TAILORED CLOTHING.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For his interview, he chose a conservative suit in navy for its professional appearance and durability.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary characteristic of gabardine fabric?