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noun

garb

gahb

Garb (noun) means a style of clothing, especially one associated with a particular role, place, or era. Example: “The actors wore medieval garb for the historical reenactment.”

noun
1
A style of clothing, especially one associated with a particular role, place, or era.
"The actors wore medieval garb for the historical reenactment."
"He arrived at the party in full pirate garb."
verb
1
To dress someone in a particular style of clothing.
"The choir was garbed in long white robes."

How to use garb

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishClothing, usually distinctive or characteristic of a certain group, job, or period.

When to use it

Slightly formal or literary — "garb" is used more in descriptive writing than everyday speech, where "clothes" or "outfit" would be more natural.

Word forms

garbed past tense, garbs plural, garbs plural, garbs singular

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The actors wore medieval _____ for the historical reenactment.

Etymology

From Italian garbo, "grace, elegance," borrowed into French and then English, ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "to prepare or equip."

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for garb

See all rhymes for garb →

Frequently asked questions

What does “garb” mean?

The word “garb” means a style of clothing, especially one associated with a particular role, place, or era. In plain terms, clothing, usually distinctive or characteristic of a certain group, job, or period.

How do you pronounce “garb”?

“Garb” is pronounced gahb (/ɡɑː(ɹ)b/ in IPA).

How do you use “garb” in a sentence?

Here is “garb” used in a sentence: “The actors wore medieval garb for the historical reenactment.”

What part of speech is “garb”?

Depending on how it is used, “garb” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “garb” come from?

The word “garb” comes from French. From Italian garbo, "grace, elegance," borrowed into French and then English, ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "to prepare or equip.".

How many meanings does “garb” have?

“Garb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a style of clothing, especially one associated with a particular role, place, or era.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial