Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall piece of furniture for storing clothes: A wardrobe is a piece of furniture, typically with a door, containing shelves, rails, or hooks for hanging and storing clothes and other garments.
   • A person's collection of clothes: A wardrobe can also refer to the entire collection of clothing owned by a particular person.
   • A collection of costumes for theatrical use: In a theatrical context, a wardrobe is the collection of costumes and garments belonging to a theater company or used for a particular production.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She hung her coat in the wardrobe. (She stored her coat in the tall furniture piece for clothes.)
  • He has a very stylish wardrobe. (He owns a very fashionable collection of clothing.)
  • The theater's wardrobe department is preparing the costumes for the play. (The department managing the collection of theatrical costumes is getting them ready.)

Advanced Usage

• "Wardrobe malfunction": An accidental, often embarrassing, failure of an item of clothing, typically used in the context of live performances or public appearances.
  • The singer's performance was interrupted by a minor wardrobe malfunction.

Variants and Related Words

• Wardrober (noun, archaic): A person in charge of a wardrobe, especially in a royal or noble household.
• Wardrobe mistress/master (noun): A person responsible for the care and maintenance of theatrical costumes.

Synonyms

• Closet (noun): A small room or cupboard for storing clothes and other items. (Note: In British English, 'wardrobe' is more common for the furniture item; in American English, 'closet' often refers to a built-in storage space.)
• Armoire (noun): A large, often ornate wardrobe or cupboard.
• Apparel (noun): Clothing, especially when referring to a collection (more formal).

Related Phrases

• "To have a skeleton in the wardrobe": A variation of the idiom "skeleton in the closet," meaning a shameful or embarrassing secret.
  • Every family has a skeleton in the wardrobe.

Noun

1. collection of costumes belonging to a theatrical company
2. collection of clothing belonging to one person
3. a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes