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noun

hijab

hih-JAHB

Hijab (noun) means a headscarf worn by many Muslim women that covers the hair and neck. Example: “She wore a blue hijab to match her outfit.”

noun
1
A headscarf worn by many Muslim women that covers the hair and neck.
"She wore a blue hijab to match her outfit."
2
The broader practice among some Muslim women of dressing modestly in front of men outside their immediate family.
"For her, observing hijab is about personal faith, not fashion."

How to use hijab

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA headscarf worn for religious or cultural modesty, or the wider practice of modest dress it represents.

Common pairings
wear a hijab hijab-wearing

Word forms

hijabs plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She wore a blue _____ to match her outfit.

Etymology

Borrowed from Arabic ḥijāb, meaning "veil" or "curtain," from a root meaning "to cover" or "to conceal."

Origin: Arabic

Frequently asked questions

What does “hijab” mean?

The word “hijab” means a headscarf worn by many Muslim women that covers the hair and neck. In plain terms, a headscarf worn for religious or cultural modesty, or the wider practice of modest dress it represents.

How do you pronounce “hijab”?

“Hijab” is pronounced hih-JAHB (/hɪˈd͡ʒɑːb/ in IPA).

How do you use “hijab” in a sentence?

Here is “hijab” used in a sentence: “She wore a blue hijab to match her outfit.”

What part of speech is “hijab”?

“Hijab” is a noun.

Where does the word “hijab” come from?

The word “hijab” comes from Arabic. Borrowed from Arabic ḥijāb, meaning "veil" or "curtain," from a root meaning "to cover" or "to conceal.".

How many meanings does “hijab” have?

“Hijab” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a headscarf worn by many Muslim women that covers the hair and neck.

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