peignoir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, somewhat dated, literary
Quick answer
What does “peignoir” mean?
A woman's dressing gown, usually made of lightweight fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman's dressing gown, usually made of lightweight fabric.
A loose-fitting garment worn before dressing or after bathing; historically a robe worn while combing the hair.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties, but is rarely used in everyday speech. In the US, 'robe' or 'dressing gown' is more common. The French origin is slightly more recognized in UK English due to geographical and historical proximity.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes an image of classic Hollywood glamour or 19th/early 20th-century domesticity. May sound pretentious if used in a casual modern context.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. More likely to be encountered in historical novels, period dramas, or high-end lingerie/catalogue descriptions than in conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “peignoir” in a Sentence
She wore a [peignoir].A [peignoir] of [silk] lay on the chair.She entered, wrapped in a [peignoir].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peignoir” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Possibly in luxury fashion/lingerie marketing.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical, cultural, or fashion studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in spoken everyday English.
Technical
Used in historical costume or textile descriptions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peignoir”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈpeɪɡnɔɪr/ or /ˈpɪɡnɔɪr/.
- Using it to refer to any bathrobe.
- Using it in a contemporary, informal context where 'robe' would be appropriate.
- Spelling: peignior, peignoire.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a loanword from French, fully naturalized in English, though used infrequently and in specific contexts.
A bathrobe is typically made of terrycloth or other absorbent material for use after bathing. A peignoir is usually made of lighter, more decorative fabric like silk or chiffon and is associated with dressing or lounging, not primarily drying off.
Historically, the term is almost exclusively applied to women's garments. A man's equivalent would be a dressing gown or robe.
Realistically, you would most likely encounter it in literature, historical writing, or upscale fashion retail. In daily conversation, using 'dressing gown' or 'robe' is far more common and less likely to sound affected.
A woman's dressing gown, usually made of lightweight fabric.
Peignoir is usually formal, somewhat dated, literary in register.
Peignoir: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpenwɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /peɪnˈwɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a French actress saying "Peignez-moi" (paint me) while wearing an elegant gown. Link PEIGNOIR to the French 'peigner' (to comb hair) – a robe you wear while combing your hair.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIVACY IS A SHELL / INTIMACY IS A VEILED SPACE (The peignoir is a permeable boundary between the private self and the outside world.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a peignoir?