Headscarf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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headscarf

[ˈhɛdˌskɑːrf ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

worn for religious or cultural reasons

A headscarf is a piece of cloth worn over the head or around the neck for religious or cultural reasons. It is often used by women to cover their hair as a sign of modesty or as a symbol of their faith.

Synonyms

hijab, shawl, veil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
headscarf	A headscarf is typically worn by women for various reasons including fashion, cultural traditions, or religious beliefs. It covers the hair and sometimes the neck. She wrapped a colorful headscarf around her head before going outside to protect her hair from the wind
hijab	A hijab is a specific type of headscarf worn by Muslim women for religious reasons, covering the hair, neck, and sometimes shoulders, but leaving the face clear. She chose a blue hijab to match her outfit for the day Many Muslim women wear a hijab as a symbol of modesty
veil	A veil is usually a light piece of fabric that covers the face, or part of the face, and sometimes extends to cover the head and shoulders. It is worn in various cultural or religious contexts or during specific ceremonies like weddings. The bride lifted her veil for the wedding kiss In some cultures, women wear a veil as a sign of modesty
shawl	A shawl is a larger piece of fabric used typically for warmth or fashion. It can be draped over the shoulders, head, or wrapped around the body. It was chilly, so she put on a woolen shawl before going out She wore a beautiful silk shawl over her evening dress

Examples of usage

The Muslim woman wore a headscarf as part of her religious beliefs.
She tied the headscarf around her head before entering the mosque.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, wearing a headscarf signifies modesty and respect, especially in religious contexts.
Headscarves are often seen in traditional clothing, symbolizing status, region, or community, varying from one culture to another.
Certain styles of headscarves, like the hijab, represent personal beliefs and identity for many women around the world.

Fashion

Headscarves have become a popular fashion accessory, used in various styles and fabrics ranging from silk to cotton.
Fashion icons have famously worn headscarves as a statement piece, influencing trends across decades.
The versatility of headscarves allows them to be styled in numerous ways, providing both function and flair.

Historical Use

Headscarves have been used for centuries by various cultures for protection against the elements.
During World War II, women wore headscarves as part of their roles in the workforce and to maintain modesty.
Historical artworks often depict women in headscarves, highlighting their significance across different eras and societies.

Origin of 'headscarf'

Main points about word origin

The word 'scarf' comes from the Old French 'escarpe', which means a cloth for wrapping.
In early English, 'headscarf' likely referred to any covering for the head and/or face.
The combination of 'head' and 'scarf' emphasizes the specific part of the body it is meant to cover.

The practice of wearing headscarves can be traced back to various cultures and religions throughout history. In Islam, the headscarf, known as a hijab, is worn by women as a symbol of modesty and privacy. In other cultures, headscarves may be worn for practical purposes, such as protection from the sun or to keep hair out of the face. The significance and styles of headscarves vary across different regions and traditions.