housedress: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. A housedress is usually a pullover or zip-up dress. A housecoat is typically a robe, open at the front, and often fastened with a belt. They serve a similar informal, at-home purpose but are different garments.

The term and the specific garment are less common today. Modern equivalents might be casual 'lounge dresses' or 'day dresses', but the specific cultural image of the 'housedress' is tied to the mid-20th century.

The term is strongly gendered female due to its historical and cultural context. There is no male equivalent term. Men might wear casual clothing like track suits or old t-shirts and shorts for similar purposes.

Not inherently offensive, but it can be perceived as dated or carrying connotations of traditional, unpaid domestic labour. Context is key; in a historical or descriptive sense, it's neutral.

A simple, casual dress designed for wearing while doing housework at home.

Housedress is usually informal in register.

Housedress: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊsdres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊsdres/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.