noun

caftan

KAF-tan

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Caftan (noun) means a long, loose, wide-sleeved robe that hangs from the shoulders without a fitted waist, worn as a dress, a beach cover-up or loungewear. Example: “She wore a printed silk caftan over her swimsuit.”

noun

A long, loose, wide-sleeved robe that hangs from the shoulders without a fitted waist, worn as a dress, a beach cover-up or loungewear.

"She wore a printed silk caftan over her swimsuit."

"By August he lives in linen caftans and nothing else."

A traditional full-length tunic or robe, often belted or elaborately embroidered, worn in parts of the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.

"The bride changed into an embroidered Moroccan caftan for the reception."

How to use caftan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA long, loose robe-like dress with wide sleeves.

When to use it

'Caftan' is the usual American spelling and 'kaftan' the usual British one; both are correct and pronounced the same. In fashion writing the word covers everything from a beach throw-on to formal occasion wear.

Memory tip

A caftan is cut straight and hangs loose from the shoulders. A kimono wraps and ties at the front, which is the quickest way to tell illustrations apart.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

kaftan → muumuu → abaya djellaba kimono →

Common pairings

silk caftan beach caftan embroidered caftan caftan dress

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “caftan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She wore a printed silk _____ over her swimsuit.

Etymology

From Turkish kaftan, itself from Persian khaftān, a long robe.

Origin: Persian

Synonyms

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kaftan robe cover-up muumuu

Related words

strip gown vest cloak robe kaftan muumuu drape

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a caftan and a kaftan?

None at all — they are two spellings of the same garment and the same word. Caftan is more common in American English, kaftan in British English.

What is the difference between a caftan and a kimono?

A caftan is pulled on over the head and hangs straight from the shoulders, sometimes with a front opening. A kimono is a wrap garment with square sleeves that overlaps at the front and is held by a sash. Their origins are Middle Eastern and Japanese respectively.

What is the difference between a caftan and a muumuu?

Both are loose full-length dresses. A muumuu is Hawaiian in origin, usually simpler in cut and in bright floral cotton, while a caftan comes from Middle Eastern dress and is more often long-sleeved, structured at the neckline and made in finer fabric.

What is the meaning of caftan?

"caftan" (noun) means a long, loose, wide-sleeved robe that hangs from the shoulders without a fitted waist, worn as a dress, a beach cover-up or loungewear.

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strip gown vest cloak robe kaftan muumuu drape