Hijab: meaning, definitions and examples

🧕

Add to dictionary

hijab

[hɪˈdʒɑːb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

head covering

A hijab is a head covering worn in public by some Muslim women which covers the hair and neck but leaves the face clear.

Synonyms

head covering, headscarf, veil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hijab	Commonly used in English to refer to the headscarf worn by many Muslim women as part of modest dress. It is a specific type of head covering that has cultural and religious significance. She decided to wear a hijab as a sign of her faith. The hijab is an important aspect of her identity.
headscarf	A piece of fabric worn over the head and often around the neck, generally by women. It can be used for fashion, religious, or practical reasons. She tied her headscarf before going outside. The headscarf matched her outfit perfectly.
veil	A piece of fine material worn by women to protect or conceal the face, often during special occasions such as weddings or religious events. It has a more delicate and ceremonial connotation. The bride wore a beautiful lace veil. Some cultures traditionally use a veil during weddings.
head covering	A general term that can refer to any type of cloth or material worn over the head. It is not specific to any culture or religion. In some cultures, a head covering is worn during religious ceremonies. He put on a head covering to protect himself from the sun.

Examples of usage

She wore a hijab to the mosque for Friday prayers.
Many women choose to wear a hijab as a symbol of their faith.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

religious significance

In Islamic culture, the hijab represents modesty, privacy, and morality.

Synonyms

headscarf, modesty veil, religious head covering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hijab	This word typically refers to a headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair, neck, and sometimes shoulders for religious and cultural reasons. It can also imply modesty in dress and behavior. She decided to start wearing a hijab at the age of 15. The hijab symbolizes her commitment to her faith.
modesty veil	A term that emphasizes the concept of modesty in clothing and is usually associated with religious or cultural practices of covering the head and sometimes the face. She wears a modesty veil as part of her religious beliefs. In some cultures, a modesty veil is a sign of respect and humility.
headscarf	A more general term that can refer to any piece of fabric worn over the head. It can be used for fashion, cultural, or religious purposes. She tied a colorful headscarf around her head to protect herself from the sun. Older women in the village often wear headscarves.
religious head covering	A broad term that can refer to any head covering worn for religious reasons. This can include the hijab, yarmulke, or other types of coverings specific to different religions. During the ceremony, all participants wore their religious head coverings. Different faiths have different types of religious head coverings.

Examples of usage

The hijab is an important symbol of religious identity for many Muslim women.
Wearing a hijab is a personal choice that reflects one's faith and values.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, wearing a hijab is a personal choice that reflects identity, spirituality, and values.
The hijab can vary greatly in style and fabric, representing local traditions and fashion trends unique to different regions.

Historical Context

The practice of wearing head coverings can be traced back thousands of years across various civilizations, not limited to one religion.
Historical texts indicate that modest clothing, including head coverings, was common in ancient Middle Eastern societies.

Religious Practices

In Islam, the hijab is seen as a form of modesty and privacy, promoting respect and dignity in public spaces.
Different Islamic interpretations may suggest various styles and rules around wearing the hijab, leading to diverse expressions.

Fashion and Expression

Fashion designers have embraced hijabs, creating fashionable options that celebrate modest clothing while maintaining style.
Social media platforms often showcase vibrant hijab styles, allowing women to express creativity and individuality.

Global Perspectives

The hijab is worn by women of various ethnicities and backgrounds worldwide, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
In some places, wearing the hijab is a subject of political debate, highlighting discussions about personal freedom and cultural identity.

Translations

Translations of the word "hijab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hijab

🇮🇳 हिजाब

🇩🇪 Hidschab

🇮🇩 jilbab

🇺🇦 хіджаб

🇵🇱 hidżab

🇯🇵 ヒジャブ

🇫🇷 hijab

🇪🇸 hiyab

🇹🇷 hicap

🇰🇷 히잡

🇸🇦 حجاب

🇨🇿 hidžáb

🇸🇰 hidžáb

🇨🇳 头巾

🇸🇮 hidžab

🇮🇸 hijab

🇰🇿 хиджаб

🇬🇪 ჰიჯაბი

🇦🇿 hicab

🇲🇽 hiyab

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,735 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33732 vacuuming
33733 tamp
33734 divorcee
33735 hijab
33736 balloted
33737 embouchure
33738 terrapin
...