hejab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal. Most common in news, academic, and interfaith/ intercultural discourse.
Quick answer
What does “hejab” mean?
A headscarf worn by some Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and religious observance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A headscarf worn by some Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and religious observance.
The concept and practice of modesty in Islamic dress, particularly for women; can also refer specifically to the head covering or more broadly to modest Islamic attire in general.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'hijab' is standard in both, though 'hejab' is a less common variant. The pronunciation of the initial 'h' is more consistently aspirated in AmE.
Connotations
Largely identical. The term is used neutrally in reporting. Public discourse around it may reflect different national debates on secularism and integration.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties due to international news relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “hejab” in a Sentence
She wears [the/a] hijab.The debate over [the] hijab continues.Hijab is [considered/viewed as] a religious obligation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hejab” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to hijab after university.
- (Note: Very rare/neologistic, 'wear hijab' is standard)
American English
- She chose to hijab as a personal commitment.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'in hijab'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The hijab-wearing student gave a talk.
- Hijab-friendly fashion lines are growing.
American English
- She looked for hijab-compatible athletic wear.
- The company has a hijab-wearing model.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'modest fashion' retail.
Academic
Frequent in religious studies, sociology, gender studies, and political science texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing personal choice, religion, or news events.
Technical
Used in specific Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) discussions on awrah (parts of the body to be covered).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hejab”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hejab”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hejab”
- Misspelling: 'hijab' not 'hejab' (standard).
- Mispronunciation: The 'h' is pronounced. Not 'ijab'.
- Using 'hijab' to refer to a face-veil (which is a 'niqab').
- Capitalising it unnecessarily.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the standard, respectful term. It is preferable to vague or potentially loaded terms like 'veil' in most contexts.
No. The practice varies widely based on personal interpretation, culture, and individual choice. It is not universally observed.
Hijab typically covers the head and neck. Niqab covers the head and face, leaving eyes visible. Burqa is a full-body covering with a mesh screen over the eyes.
Context matters. Out of respect, non-Muslims may wear one when visiting mosques or religious sites. Wearing it as fashion without understanding its significance can be seen as cultural appropriation by some.
A headscarf worn by some Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and religious observance.
Hejab is usually neutral to formal. most common in news, academic, and interfaith/ intercultural discourse. in register.
Hejab: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪdʒ.æb/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˈdʒɑːb/ or /ˈhiː.dʒæb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The hijab is a crown, not a shackle. (Proverbial expression)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HI JAB' - A 'High Jab' of fabric near the head. Or: 'HE Jabs' at the issue, but 'SHE' wears the hijab. (Aids spelling/pronunciation).
Conceptual Metaphor
HIJAB IS A SHIELD (against unwanted attention, for modesty). HIJAB IS A BADGE (of faith, identity). HIJAB IS A FABRIC WALL (a boundary between public and private).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common, concrete meaning of 'hijab'?