abaya

[ uh-bey-yuh ]

noun

1. a coarse, felted fabric woven of camel's or goat's hair.
2. a loose, sleeveless outer garment made of this fabric or of silk, worn by Arabs.

abaya

/ əˈbaɪə /

noun

1. a long black long-sleeved robe worn by Muslim women in Arabic-speaking countries, often with a headscarf or veil

Word History and Origins

Origin of abaya¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from Arabic ʿabā'(ah)

Word History and Origins

Origin of abaya¹

Arabic

Example Sentences

He recalls once “making a scene” when he saw a student wearing an abaya over pajamas — the student code prohibits the latter alongside shorts and revealing necklines.

From Seattle Times

“The abaya doesn’t make a woman religious. The important thing is to feel good about who you are.”

From Seattle Times

He recalls once “making a scene” when he saw a student wearing an abaya over pajamas — the student code prohibits the latter alongside shorts and revealing necklines.

From Seattle Times

“The abaya doesn’t make a woman religious. The important thing is to feel good about who you are.”

From Seattle Times

Women are no longer required to wear the fully cloaking black abaya.

From Seattle Times