dressing-gown

She wears a comfortable dressing-gown while reading a book in the living room.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A loose-fitting robe worn at home: A "dressing-gown" is a long, loose garment typically worn over nightwear or when relaxing at home, often after bathing or before dressing formally.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She put on her silk dressing-gown after her morning shower. (A robe worn at home for comfort.)
  • He answered the door in his dressing-gown, looking slightly disheveled. (A casual home garment.)

Advanced Usage

• "In one's dressing-gown": Wearing a dressing-gown, often implying a state of undress or relaxation.
  • The detective interviewed the suspect while the suspect was still in his dressing-gown. (Not fully dressed for the day.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dressing-gown is a compound noun; no common variants exist, but related terms include:
  • Robe (n): a similar loose garment, often more formal or for specific purposes like a bathrobe.

    • She wrapped herself in a soft cotton robe after swimming. (A garment for drying off or lounging.)
  • Housecoat (n): a lightweight robe worn at home, often by women.

    • She wore a floral housecoat while doing housework. (A practical home garment.)

Synonyms

• Robe: a loose outer garment, often for lounging.
• Housecoat: a light, informal robe for home wear.
• Bathrobe: a robe worn after bathing, typically made of absorbent material.

Related Idioms

• "To be in one's dressing-gown": To be in an informal, unprepared state.
  • The author was still in his dressing-gown when the interviewer arrived. (Not yet ready for the day.)

Notes

• The term "dressing-gown" is primarily used in British English; in American English, "robe" or "bathrobe" is more common. The hyphen is often omitted in modern usage ("dressing gown").