beret

American  

[buh-rey] / bəˈreɪ /

noun

1. a soft, visorless cap with a close-fitting headband and a wide, round top often with a tab at its center.

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beret British  

/ ˈbɛreɪ /

noun

1. a round close-fitting brimless cap of soft wool material or felt

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Etymology

Origin of beret

1820–30; < French < Gascon berret, OPr. ber ( r ) et. See biretta

Explanation

A beret is a round, soft hat. Berets were first made in 17th-century France, and they're still commonly associated with that country. If you enjoy French culture, you might don a beret while eating baguettes with brie. We can trace the origin of beret back to the Late Latin birrus, "large, hooded cloak," and since the word itself is French, the t is silent — beret rhymes with tray. From the time they were invented, berets have been casual, fashionable caps most often made of wool or felt. The armies of several countries, including Italy and the U.S. Special Forces, also wear berets as part of their uniform.

Example Sentences

Sliwa -- once a night manager of a McDonald's restaurant in New York -- made his name with the Guardian Angels subway patrol group, which still sees him routinely sport a red beret.

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

“In a parade, they see the red beret, they cheer. They know for 45 years he’s been working for them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

It was Wonder, shuffling out from the wings wearing his signature shades and beret to join his old friend for — well, for what?

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2025

A retired colonel from his old regiment made an emotional presentation of a new beret with a replacement cap badge, as Mr Rose's original had been lost.

From BBC • May 5, 2025

Mr. Lemoncello raised his beret by its stem, turned on his heel, and headed for one of the bookcases on the far side of the rotunda.

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein