negligee

or neg·li·gée, neg·li·gé

[ neg-li-zhey, neg-li-zhey ]

noun

1. a dressing gown or robe, usually of sheer fabric and having soft, flowing lines, worn by women.
2. easy, informal attire.

negligee

/ ˈnɛɡlɪˌʒeɪ /

noun

1. a woman's light dressing gown, esp one that is lace-trimmed
2. a thin and revealing woman's nightdress
3. any informal attire

Word History and Origins

Origin of negligee¹

1745–55, Americanism; < French négligé carelessness, undress, literally, neglected, past participle of négliger < Latin negligere, variant of neglegere to neglect

Word History and Origins

Origin of negligee¹

C18: from French négligée, past participle (fem) of négliger to neglect

Example Sentences

She first appears onscreen in the late 1950s, flitting around the breakfast table in a negligee.

From The Daily Beast

The lot includes thirty-two items of Lewinsky memorabilia, including a floor-length black negligee.

From The Daily Beast

This sparkly amalgamation of sailor suit and negligee lives forever in infamy.

From The Daily Beast

Veronica was already clear of her dark blue bengaline frock and reaching for the silken comfort of the negligee.

From Project Gutenberg

Marjorie peered thoughtfully at her array of gowns and selected a half-fitted negligee of old-rose silk.

From Project Gutenberg

Marjorie had already donned a negligee and was hastily thrusting her feet into quilted satin slippers.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally he gave them up too, and one morning came to work wearing a flimsy, sleazy, negligee shirt.

From Project Gutenberg

A lady dressed in negligee robe de chambre of blue satin lies upon the sofa, propped up with pillows.

From Project Gutenberg