sun-bonnet

A woman wears a sun-bonnet while gardening in her yard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of hat, typically made of fabric, designed to protect the neck and face from the sun. It often has a brim that extends to cover the back of the neck, and is commonly worn by women or children, especially in rural or historical contexts.

Usage Examples

• (A hat with a neck flap for sun protection.)
• (A traditional hat for outdoor work or travel.)

Advanced Usage

• "to tie a sun-bonnet": to fasten the hat securely under the chin, often with ribbons or strings.

  • She carefully tied her sun-bonnet before stepping into the field. (She secured the hat to prevent it from blowing off.)

• "sun-bonnet" as a symbol: In literature and art, the sun-bonnet is often associated with rural life, modesty, or Victorian-era femininity.

  • The character’s sun-bonnet was a subtle reminder of her humble, agrarian origins. (The hat represented a simple, rustic lifestyle.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bonnet (n): a general term for a hat, often with a brim or ties, worn by women or babies.

  • The baby’s bonnet was decorated with lace. (A soft hat for infants.)

• Sun hat (n): a broader term for any hat designed to protect from the sun, including wide-brimmed hats and caps.

  • He bought a wide-brimmed sun hat for his trip to the beach. (A sun-protective hat without a neck flap.)

Synonyms

• Sun hat: a hat with a wide brim for sun protection.
• Straw bonnet: a bonnet made of straw, often with a similar design for sun protection.

Related Idioms

• "Bonnet of the sun": a poetic or archaic phrase referring to a sun-bonnet.

  • The old woman adjusted her bonnet of the sun before walking to the market. (A literary way to describe a sun-bonnet.)

• "Under the sun-bonnet": an idiom meaning to be protected or hidden from direct sunlight, often used figuratively to suggest shelter or modesty.

  • She kept her opinions under the sun-bonnet, rarely speaking in public. (She remained reserved or sheltered.)