cap and gown

noun

1. a ceremonial mortarboard and gown worn by faculty, students, etc., as at commencement.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cap and gown¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Idioms and Phrases

Ceremonial dress worn at graduation exercises; by extension, the academic community (also see town and gown . For example, Mary was very proud) when she received her cap and gown for commencement . [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

In Harvard Yard that June, graduates protested the war by refusing to don cap and gown, or else by wearing white armbands over their robes.

From New York Times

Another student, wearing cap and gown, took a break from graduation photos to chat with the protesters.

From Los Angeles Times

Sophia did not wear the typical cap and gown that commencement speakers usually don, but instead wore a black-and-red D’Youville University hoodie.

From New York Times

Later, about 6:30 p.m., the protesters marched away from the Shrine Auditorium and gathered in a courtyard where a Pomona College graduate, wearing his cap and gown, read a statement calling for an end to the war and for universities to divest from financial ties with Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

She encouraged the graduates to “drown out” the voices that say “can’t” and to remember the challenges they overcame to get to wear a cap and gown on Saturday.

From Seattle Times