What does "gabardine" mean?
A type of woolen cloth with a diagonal ribbed texture on one side.
Gabardine
/ˈɡæbɚˌdin/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A type of woolen cloth with a diagonal ribbed texture on one side.
- Grammar: gabardine is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: dust coat, duster, flannel, gabardine cloth.
- Usage evidence: The merchant found gabardines with finer ribs sold better here.
How to use "gabardine"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gabardine" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gabardine" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gabardine" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gabardine" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "gabardine" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "dust coat" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "gabardine", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A type of woolen cloth with a diagonal ribbed texture on one side. countable, uncountable, usually
"The merchant found gabardines with finer ribs sold better here."
- 2 a loose coverall (coat or frock) reaching down to the ankles wordnet
- 3 A similar fabric, made from cotton. countable, uncountable, usually
- 4 (usually in the plural) trousers made of flannel or gabardine or tweed or white cloth wordnet
- 5 A long cloak. countable, usually
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 a firm durable fabric with a twill weave wordnet
- 7 A yellow robe that Jews in England were compelled to wear in the year 1189 as a mark of distinction. countable, historical, usually
"You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spet upon my Jewish gabardine, And all for use of that which is mine own."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The merchant found gabardines with finer ribs sold better here."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "gabardine"?
Common synonyms include: dust coat, duster, flannel, gabardine cloth, gabardine coat, gabardine garment.
How do you use "gabardine" in a sentence?
The merchant found gabardines with finer ribs sold better here.
How do you pronounce "gabardine"?
Pronounced /ˈɡæbɚˌdin/.
Etymology
Recorded since 1904, altering the earlier gaberdine (“long, coarse outer garment”) (since 1520), from Spanish gabardina (perhaps influenced by gabán (“overcoat”) and tabardina (“coarse coat”)), from Middle French galverdine, itself probably from (Old or Middle) High German wallevart (“pilgrimage”), in the sense of “pilgrim's cloak” (from wallen (“to ambulate”) + vart (“journey”)).