surplice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “surplice” mean?
A white, loose-fitting, knee-length liturgical vestment, typically with wide sleeves, worn over a cassock by clergy, altar servers, and choristers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white, loose-fitting, knee-length liturgical vestment, typically with wide sleeves, worn over a cassock by clergy, altar servers, and choristers.
Occasionally used more broadly to refer to any similar loose, white outer garment, especially in historical or ceremonial contexts not strictly ecclesiastical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word and its referent are identical. Usage differences may reflect the prevalence of Anglican traditions in the UK versus a more diverse denominational landscape in the US.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly connotes the Church of England and cathedral choirs. In the US, it may have a slightly more generic or academic (e.g., seminary) connotation.
Frequency
Marginally higher frequency in UK English due to the established state church and common cultural references to choirboys in surplices.
Grammar
How to Use “surplice” in a Sentence
The [acolyte/chorister] wore a surplice.He was dressed in a surplice over his cassock.The surplice is a symbol of purity.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “surplice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bishop was surpliced and ready for the procession.
American English
- The acolytes were surpliced before the service began.
adjective
British English
- The surplice fees were a point of contention in the 19th century.
American English
- He had a surplice-related question for the sacristan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and historical texts describing church ceremonies.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by churchgoers or in communities with strong church traditions.
Technical
Specific term in ecclesiology, liturgy, and vestment studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “surplice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “surplice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “surplice”
- Misspelling as 'surplace' or 'surplis'.
- Confusing it with a 'cassock' (the long, close-fitting garment worn beneath).
- Using it to describe any long white robe outside a liturgical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A cassock is a long, close-fitting, often black ankle-length robe. A surplice is a loose, white, knee-length tunic with wide sleeves worn *over* the cassock.
Typically, only ordained clergy, licensed lay ministers (like readers), altar servers, and choir members wear a surplice during liturgical services, following specific church traditions.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized word. Most English speakers will only encounter it in religious, historical, or literary contexts.
Traditionally, it is made from linen or cotton, often with lace or embroidered inserts. Modern ones may be made from easier-care fabrics like polyester blends.
A white, loose-fitting, knee-length liturgical vestment, typically with wide sleeves, worn over a cassock by clergy, altar servers, and choristers.
Surplice is usually formal, ecclesiastical, literary in register.
Surplice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.plɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.plɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Surplice fees (historical term for fees paid to a clergyman for occasional duties)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SURPLUS of PLACE (space) in a SURPLICE – it's a loose, billowy garment giving plenty of room.
Conceptual Metaphor
GARMENT IS PURITY / HOLINESS (The white surplice metaphorically represents spiritual purity and the officiant's role).
Practice
Quiz
A surplice is most specifically a: