nightdress
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈaɪtdrɛs/
US
- /ˈnaɪt.drɛs/BritishSouthernStandardnoun
Description
- Sleepwear
- Nightgown
- Nightie
- Bedtime dress
Picture the quiet end of the day, when someone changes into something soft and loose before bed. A nightdress is a one-piece garment worn for sleeping, usually by women or girls. It often falls loosely from the shoulders and can be short or long. Many are made to feel comfortable and light, though some are simple and plain while others have lace or other small details. You may come across this word in everyday talk, clothing stores, or older stories where people wear this kind of sleepwear to bed.
A nightdress, sometimes called a nightgown or a "nightie," is a type of sleepwear. It is a one-piece garment made for wearing in bed or while getting ready for bed. Unlike pajamas, which have separate tops and bottoms, it is a single piece that usually hangs loosely from the shoulders.
Historically, nightdresses were often made from linen or cotton and were valued for comfort, warmth, and modesty. Over time, some styles became more decorative, with lace, embroidery, or ribbons. In the past, especially in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, they were a very common kind of sleepwear. Today, they still exist in many lengths, from short styles to full-length ones, and they are made from materials such as cotton, silk, satin, or flannel.
Many people choose them because they feel soft, airy, and easy to wear. The word often brings to mind a traditional or gentle image, so it appears often in stories, films, and older books. Sometimes people also use the word when comparing another piece of clothing to sleepwear, especially if it looks very thin, loose, or too informal for wearing outside. Most commonly, though, it simply means a comfortable garment worn for sleeping.
Examples
- 1
Bedtime clothing
She put on a clean cotton nightdress and climbed into bed.
Usage
nightdress is mainly British English; nightgown is more common in American English
- 2
At the door
I answered the door in my nightdress because I thought it was my sister.
- 3
Travel packing
She packed two nightdresses and a pair of slippers for the weekend.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nightdressnoun