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Apron Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apron

[ˈeɪ.prən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

clothing

An apron is a garment worn over the front of one's clothes and tied around the back, typically used to protect clothing from spills and stains while cooking or working. Aprons can also bear pockets for holding utensils.

Synonyms

overall, protective garment, smock.

Examples of usage

  • She wore an apron while baking cookies.
  • The chef's apron was covered in flour.
  • He tied his apron around his waist before starting the barbecue.
  • The artist wore a paint-splattered apron in the studio.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, aprons symbolize hospitality and home cooking, often associated with family meals and traditions.
  • Aprons have been worn by various professions, including chefs, bakers, and artists, illustrating their versatility beyond domestic use.

Historical Context

  • During the Victorian era, aprons were often adorned with intricate designs and lace, serving as a fashion statement as much as a functional item.
  • World War II saw women wearing practical aprons as they took on roles in factories and kitchens, highlighting the shift in gender roles.

Pop Culture

  • Aprons have made appearances in numerous films and sitcoms, often as a symbol of domesticity or a humorous twist, like in cooking shows.
  • The iconic scene in 'The Joy of Cooking' showcases the apron as a must-have for chefs, further popularizing its role in culinary arts.

Psychology

  • Wearing an apron can invoke a sense of comfort and safety, as it's often linked to nurturing activities like cooking and crafting.
  • The act of putting on an apron can serve as a mental cue, signaling the transition to a focused, hands-on activity, enhancing productivity.

Origin of 'apron'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'naperon' meaning 'small cloth', which evolved from 'nape' referring to cloth.
  • In English, the word transformed from 'napron' (a cloth that covers) to 'apron', with the 'n' moved to the beginning, a quirky language twist.

The word 'apron' has its origins in the late Middle English 'napron', which itself came from the Old French 'naperon', a diminutive of 'nape', meaning cloth or linen. The transformation from 'napron' to 'apron' is an example of a change in the initial sounds of words, known as metathesis. This phenomenon is common in languages and can occur naturally over time as words are used in conversation. The practical use of aprons can be traced back to ancient times, as various cultures used them to protect clothing while cooking or working. Today, aprons are not only functional but also serve as a form of expression in the culinary world, with many available in various designs, colors, and styles.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,083, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.