apparel
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for apparel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Clothing, especially as a category of goods.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use apparel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
More common in commercial/retail language ("apparel industry") than in everyday speech, where "clothes" is normal.
Etymology
From Old French apareillier, related to "apparel" as in outfitting or preparing something.
Full origin of apparel →Frequently asked questions
What does “apparel” mean?
The word “apparel” means clothing, especially as a category of goods. In plain terms, a somewhat formal word for clothing, often used in retail and business contexts.
How do you pronounce “apparel”?
“Apparel” is pronounced uh-PA-ruhl (/əˈpæ.ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “apparel” in a sentence?
Here is “apparel” used in a sentence: “The store sells outdoor apparel for hikers and campers.”
What is another word for “apparel”?
Words with a similar meaning to “apparel” include dight, don, put on and ornament.
What part of speech is “apparel”?
Depending on how it is used, “apparel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “apparel” come from?
The word “apparel” comes from Old French. From Old French apareillier, related to "apparel" as in outfitting or preparing something.
Is “apparel” a common word?
“Apparel” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “apparel” have?
“Apparel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clothing, especially as a category of goods.
What is the difference between apparel and clothing?
Apparel is a slightly more formal, often commercial term used to describe clothing as a category of goods, such as in store names or retail categories. Clothing is the everyday, general word for items worn on the body. In practice the two are interchangeable, but apparel appears more often in business, fashion, and marketing contexts.
Is apparel a formal or informal word?
Apparel leans formal and is commonly used in retail, legal, and business writing, such as "men's apparel" or "protective apparel." In casual conversation, most people simply say clothes or clothing instead.
Can apparel be used as a verb?
Yes, apparel can be used as a verb meaning to dress or clothe someone, often elaborately, though this usage is now rare and mostly literary or archaic. In modern everyday speech and writing, apparel functions almost exclusively as a noun.