noun

garb

gahb

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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

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

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.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: garbs
Third person singular: garbs
Past tense: garbed

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

Synonyms

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apparel garment attire clothe tog dress raiment fit out enclothe habilitate

Antonyms

undress

Related words

clothes dress clothing strip invest crop clip costume

Rhymes for garb

barb

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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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