Definition

Noun: 1. A garment consisting of a length of fabric wrapped around the body: A sarong is a large piece of cloth, often brightly colored or patterned, that is wrapped around the waist and worn as a skirt or a lower-body garment. It is a traditional garment in many cultures of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. 2. A versatile piece of clothing: It can be worn by both men and women and is used for various purposes, from daily wear to ceremonial attire.

Usage

The word "sarong" refers specifically to the garment itself. It is a countable noun. - She bought a beautiful silk sarong at the market. - In many tropical countries, the sarong is common beachwear. - He wore a traditional sarong for the festival.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Context: The term "sarong" is often associated specifically with the styles found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the South Pacific. In other regions, similar garments may have different names (e.g., "pareo" in Polynesia, "lungi" in South Asia).
• As a Fashion Item: In Western contexts, a "sarong" often refers to a similar wrap garment used as a beach cover-up or a casual skirt.

Variants and Related Words

• Sarung: An alternative spelling, closer to the original Malay/Indonesian word.
• Pareo: A similar wrapped garment from Tahiti and other Polynesian islands, often used interchangeably with "sarong" in casual English.

Synonyms

• Wrap skirt: A descriptive synonym emphasizing how it is worn.
• Loincloth: A more general term for a cloth wrapped around the hips, though a loincloth is typically simpler and smaller than a sarong.

Related Phrases

• To tie a sarong: Refers to the action of putting on the garment.
  • Can you show me how to tie a sarong properly?
• Sarong fabric: Refers to the material typically used to make sarongs, often lightweight cotton, silk, or rayon with batik or ikat patterns.

Noun

1. a loose skirt consisting of brightly colored fabric wrapped around the body; worn by both women and men in the South Pacific