pinafore
Noun: A sleeveless garment, typically resembling an apron, worn over other clothing, especially by young girls or women to protect their clothes from dirt or stains. It is often a simple, loose-fitting piece of fabric that covers the front of the body and is fastened at the back.
A pinafore is worn as a protective layer over regular clothes. It is commonly associated with children's wear, school uniforms, or domestic work attire. It can be made from various materials, from cotton for everyday use to more decorative fabrics.
- The little girl wore a pinafore over her dress while painting.
- In the old school photograph, all the girls are dressed in identical pinafores.
- She tied her pinafore securely before starting to bake.
- "Pinafore dress": This term is sometimes used to describe a sleeveless dress, often with a bib-like top, that is styled to look like a pinafore worn over a blouse or shirt. It is a standalone garment, not a protective overlay.
- She wore a denim pinafore dress with a striped turtleneck.
- Pinny (noun, chiefly British, informal): A common, casual term for a pinafore.
- The child got her pinny dirty in the garden.
- Apron (noun): A similar protective garment that typically ties around the waist and covers the front of the body. An apron usually covers less of the upper body than a traditional pinafore.
- Smock
- Overdress
- Coverall (though this typically has sleeves and covers more completely)
The core meaning of "pinafore" is a protective sleeveless overdress. Its use in "pinafore dress" refers to a fashion style that mimics this look but is a complete dress. The informal variant "pinny" carries the same meaning in everyday speech.
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a sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing
