peplum

American  

[pep-luhm] / ˈpɛp ləm /

noun

plural

peplums, pepla

1. a short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips.

2. a short skirt attached to a bodice or jacket.

3. Obsolete. a peplos.

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peplum British  

/ ˈpɛpləm /

noun

1. a flared ruffle attached to the waist of a jacket, bodice, etc

2. a variant of peplos

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Etymology

Origin of peplum

1670–80; < Latin < Greek *péplon (neuter; only plural pépla occurs). See peplos

Example Sentences

His charming, whimsical collection featured ruffled tutus, sculptured soft knits, peplum jackets, skirts with bustles and plenty of shearling fabric.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

And best actress nominee Emma Stone turned up in pale mint green, in a gown with a peplum so flippy she probably could have concealed snacks under it.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

For her wedding day, the princess famously wore a long-sleeved gown with a fitted top, a peplum and a long train by British-based designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos.

From Fox News • Oct. 13, 2021

“From the 3-D appliqué to the peplum detailing and oversized crystals, the details on the dress embodied what I was looking for,” Ms. Beaudry Westin said.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2020

For me, it would be a pair of white jean shorts with a black lace peplum blouse.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles