peignoir

[ peyn-wahr, pen-, peyn-wahr, pen- ]

noun

1. a woman's dressing gown.
2. a cloak or gown of terry cloth for wear after swimming or, especially in France, after the bath.

peignoir

/ ˈpeɪnwɑː /

noun

1. a woman's dressing gown or negligee

Word History and Origins

Origin of peignoir¹

1825–35; < French: literally, comber, i.e., something worn while one's hair is being combed, equivalent to peign ( er ) to comb (< Late Latin pectināre; pecten ) + -oir < Latin -ōrium -ory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of peignoir¹

C19: from French, from peigner to comb, since the garment was worn while the hair was combed

Example Sentences

Her copious endnotes made me want to put on a peignoir, strike my forehead dramatically and fall in a dead faint on a chaise longue — all gestures probably owed to Elinor Glyn.

From New York Times

The tears came so fast to Mrs. Pontellier’s eyes that the damp sleeve of her peignoir no longer served to dry them.

From Literature

She comes with four changes of clothes: a Kelly green ball gown, a teal suit with a calotte hat, a sweater and matching kick pleat skirt and a nightgown with a peignoir.

From New York Times

Watch her pace nervously in her fishbowl of a house, dressed in a silk peignoir and clutching a drink, an irresistible target for anyone with a mind to stalk or photograph.

From New York Times

To get the right effect, Shelby brought four outfits, plus two lounging ensembles featuring a robe and peignoir.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• bathrobe
• costume
• dress
• frock
• garment
• kimono
• vestment