noun
Uncommon
apparel
uh-PA-ruhl
Apparel (noun) means Clothing, especially as a category of goods. Example: “The store sells outdoor apparel for hikers and campers.”
noun
1
Clothing, especially as a category of goods.
"The store sells outdoor apparel for hikers and campers."
"The shop's winter apparel section is on the second floor."
"Athletic apparel should be light enough to let your skin breathe."
verb
1
To dress or clothe someone, often elaborately.
"The knights were apparelled in full ceremonial armor."
"The servants apparelled the young queen in silk before the ceremony."
"Villagers apparelled themselves in bright costumes for the spring festival."
How to use apparel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA somewhat formal word for clothing, often used in retail and business contexts.
When to use it
More common in commercial/retail language ("apparel industry") than in everyday speech, where "clothes" is normal.
Common pairings
apparel industry
outdoor apparel
casual apparel
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Word forms
- Plural
- apparels
- Third person singular
- apparels
- Past tense
- appareled, apparelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The store sells outdoor _____ for hikers and campers.
Etymology
From Old French apareillier, related to "apparel" as in outfitting or preparing something.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for apparel
See all rhymes for 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.
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