cloak
KLOHK
Cloak (noun) means a long, loose outer garment that hangs from the shoulders, often without sleeves. Example: “She wrapped her cloak tightly against the cold night air.”
noun
1
A long, loose outer garment that hangs from the shoulders, often without sleeves.
"She wrapped her cloak tightly against the cold night air."
2
Something that hides or disguises the truth.
"The charity was a cloak for his tax evasion scheme."
verb
1
To cover, hide, or disguise something.
"The scandal was cloaked in secrecy for years before it broke."
How to use cloak
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cape-like outer garment, or (figuratively) something used to hide the truth.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cloak of secrecy
cloaked in mystery
wear a cloak
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Word forms
- Plural
- cloaks
- Third person singular
- cloaks
- Past tense
- cloaked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wrapped her _____ tightly against the cold night air.
Etymology
From Old French cloque, "traveling cloak," ultimately from a Celtic word for "bell" — the garment was named for its bell-like shape. A doublet of "clock" and "cloche."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for cloak
See all rhymes for cloak →Frequently asked questions
What does “cloak” mean?
The word “cloak” means a long, loose outer garment that hangs from the shoulders, often without sleeves. In plain terms, a cape-like outer garment, or (figuratively) something used to hide the truth.
How do you pronounce “cloak”?
“Cloak” is pronounced KLOHK (/ˈkloʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “cloak” in a sentence?
Here is “cloak” used in a sentence: “She wrapped her cloak tightly against the cold night air.”
What part of speech is “cloak”?
Depending on how it is used, “cloak” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cloak” come from?
The word “cloak” comes from Old French. From Old French cloque, "traveling cloak," ultimately from a Celtic word for "bell" — the garment was named for its bell-like shape. A doublet of "clock" and "cloche.".
Is “cloak” a common word?
“Cloak” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “cloak” have?
“Cloak” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, loose outer garment that hangs from the shoulders, often without sleeves.
What is the difference between a cloak and a cape?
A cloak is a long, loose outer garment that hangs from the shoulders and is often sleeveless, similar to a cape, though 'cloak' tends to suggest a fuller, longer garment used historically for warmth or concealment. In modern usage the two words are largely interchangeable for a sleeveless outer wrap.
What does it mean to 'cloak' something figuratively?
Used as a verb, 'cloak' means to cover, hide, or disguise something, such as cloaking one's true intentions. The noun form extends this idea, describing anything that hides or disguises the truth, as in 'a cloak of secrecy.'
Where does the phrase 'cloak and dagger' come from?
'Cloak and dagger' describes situations involving secrecy, spying, or intrigue, drawing on the cloak's traditional association with concealment and disguise. It is used to describe plots or actions carried out in a hidden or dramatic way.
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