gilet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal for the item; everyday for outdoor/activity contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gilet” mean?
A sleeveless padded jacket, often resembling a waistcoat or bodywarmer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sleeveless padded jacket, often resembling a waistcoat or bodywarmer.
Any sleeveless garment worn over other clothes for extra warmth or as a fashion layer, not necessarily padded; in haute couture, it can refer to a decorative bodice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'gilet' (pronounced with a soft 'g') is the standard term. In American English, 'vest' is far more common for the same item, though 'gilet' is understood in fashion/outdoor circles.
Connotations
In the UK, it can have practical (countryside, hiking) or fashion connotations. In the US, using 'gilet' may sound deliberately British or fashion-specific.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English; low-to-moderate in US English, where 'vest' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “gilet” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + a gilet[Subject] + put on/take off + [possessive] gileta gilet + made of + [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in retail/fashion (e.g., 'Our autumn line features a new range of gilets').
Academic
Very rare outside specific studies in fashion history or textile design.
Everyday
Common in discussions about clothing, weather, and outdoor activities (e.g., 'It's chilly; I'll just grab my gilet').
Technical
Used in outdoor gear and fashion industry specifications (e.g., '700-fill power down gilet').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gilet”
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' (/ɡ/). It's a soft 'g' (/ʒ/) from French. Using 'gilet' in the US where 'vest' would be more natural, causing confusion (as 'vest' in UK English is an undershirt).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
With a soft 'g' (/ʒ/), like the 's' in 'pleasure'. The standard UK pronunciation is /ˈʒɪleɪ/.
A waistcoat (UK) / vest (US) is typically a formal garment, often part of a three-piece suit, made of suiting fabric. A gilet is generally casual or outdoor-focused, often padded, and made of materials like down, fleece, or waterproof fabric.
Yes, absolutely. 'Gilet' is a unisex term for both men's and women's clothing.
'Bodywarmer' is a more descriptive, functional term. 'Gilet' is the standard lexical item and can sound slightly more refined or specific, especially in fashion contexts. They are largely interchangeable in UK English.
A sleeveless padded jacket, often resembling a waistcoat or bodywarmer.
Gilet is usually neutral to formal for the item; everyday for outdoor/activity contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GILL-et' keeps your CORE (torso) warm, but leaves your ARMS free. It's like a jacket that forgot its sleeves.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARMOUR FOR THE TORSO (protection against cold without restricting movement).
Practice
Quiz
Which term would an American most naturally use for a sleeveless, padded outdoor jacket?