cravat
Cravat (noun) means a band of fabric worn around the neck, tied at the front, as an old-fashioned or formal alternative to a necktie. Example: “He wore a silk cravat with his tuxedo for the gala.”
How to use cravat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA decorative neck scarf tied like an old-style tie, or a triangular first-aid bandage.
Word forms
cravatted past tense, cravats plural, cravats singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He wore a silk _____ with his tuxedo for the gala.
Etymology
From French cravate, originally referring to a Croat (Croatian) mercenary — Croatian soldiers in 17th-century France wore a distinctive neck scarf that French fashion later copied and named after them.
Frequently asked questions
What does “cravat” mean?
The word “cravat” means a band of fabric worn around the neck, tied at the front, as an old-fashioned or formal alternative to a necktie. In plain terms, a decorative neck scarf tied like an old-style tie, or a triangular first-aid bandage.
How do you pronounce “cravat”?
“Cravat” is pronounced kruh-VAT (/kɹəˈvæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cravat” in a sentence?
Here is “cravat” used in a sentence: “He wore a silk cravat with his tuxedo for the gala.”
What part of speech is “cravat”?
“Cravat” is a noun.
Where does the word “cravat” come from?
The word “cravat” dates back to around 1600 and comes from French. From French cravate, originally referring to a Croat (Croatian) mercenary — Croatian soldiers in 17th-century France wore a distinctive neck scarf that French fashion later copied and named after them.
How many meanings does “cravat” have?
“Cravat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a band of fabric worn around the neck, tied at the front, as an old-fashioned or formal alternative to a necktie.