caftan

or kaf·tan

[ kaf-tan, kaf-tan ]

noun

1. a long garment having long sleeves and tied at the waist by a girdle, worn under a coat in the Middle East.
2. a long, full, usually collarless robe with wide sleeves that is worn at home for lounging or entertaining or at the beach as a cover-up.

caftan

/ -ˌtɑːn; ˈkæfˌtæn /

noun

1. a variant spelling of kaftan

Other Words From

• caftaned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caftan¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Russian kaftán, from Turkish, from Persian qaftān

Example Sentences

She loved her costume, mostly because it was like a large caftan, essential in the intense Roman heat.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bowl is a place where I would not be shocked to see adult men in flip-flops mingling with a family of four in matching caftans.

From Los Angeles Times

Using her arms as a makeshift clapboard, a Sudanese woman in a black hijab and black-and-white caftan clapped her hands together, signaling the beginning of the rehearsal.

From New York Times

So clear your throat, throw on your most colorful caftan and get ready to sing along.

From New York Times

Samir drew the bucket from the well and spirited a cup from the folds of his silk embroidered caftan.

From Literature