sunbonnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, literary
Quick answer
What does “sunbonnet” mean?
A wide-brimmed bonnet, often with a flap to cover the back of the neck, worn by women and children as protection from the sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wide-brimmed bonnet, often with a flap to cover the back of the neck, worn by women and children as protection from the sun.
A protective hat, typically of cloth, with a stiff brim that shades the face and a back flap for the neck, historically associated with rural life, pioneer women, and outdoor work in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Also appears in quilting and embroidery patterns (e.g., Sunbonnet Sue).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties, but its cultural associations are stronger with American frontier/prairie history. In British English, it may be perceived as a more purely historical or literary term.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of historical, rural, or old-fashioned attire. In American English, it is strongly linked to pioneer and settler imagery.
Frequency
Extremely low in modern, everyday use in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in American English within historical or craft-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sunbonnet” in a Sentence
wear + [sunbonnet]tie + [sunbonnet] + on/undershade + [face] + with + [sunbonnet]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sunbonnet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sunbonnet style was practical for the harsh climate.
- She preferred a sunbonnet look for the garden party.
American English
- The sunbonnet quilt pattern is a classic.
- Her sunbonnet attitude reflected a simpler time.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or fashion studies discussing 19th-century attire, women's history, or material culture.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used descriptively in historical reenactment, storytelling, or when discussing antique clothing.
Technical
Used in costume design, historical reproduction, and textile/quilting communities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunbonnet”
- Using 'sunbonnet' to refer to any modern sun hat.
- Spelling as two separate words: 'sun bonnet' (while sometimes seen, the closed form is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'bonnet' is a general term for a soft, often tied, head covering for women or babies. A 'sunbonnet' is a specific type of bonnet designed with a wide, stiff brim and sometimes a neck flap explicitly for protection from the sun.
As everyday attire, they are virtually obsolete. However, they are worn by historical reenactors, in some traditional communities, and occasionally as functional or decorative garden hats. The form survives in broad-brimmed sun hats made of modern materials.
A 'poke' sunbonnet (or 'poke bonnet') has a brim that projects forward, 'poking' out, to shade the face. The term emphasizes the protruding, scoop-like shape of the front brim.
'Sunbonnet Sue' is an iconic appliqué quilt block pattern featuring a little girl whose face is hidden by a large sunbonnet. It became extremely popular in the early 20th century and represents a nostalgic, simplified vision of childhood.
A wide-brimmed bonnet, often with a flap to cover the back of the neck, worn by women and children as protection from the sun.
Sunbonnet is usually historical, literary in register.
Sunbonnet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌbɒn.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌbɑː.nɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Sunbonnet Sue" (a common quilting/embroidery pattern of a faceless girl in a sunbonnet)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the SUN needing a BONNET to shield it? No, the bonnet shields you FROM the sun. Picture a pioneer woman tying on her SUN BONNET before working in the fields.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS COVERING; THE PAST IS A DIFFERENT GARB
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'sunbonnet' most accurately used today?