Wardrobe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wardrobe

[ˈwɔːr.drəʊb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

furniture

A wardrobe is a tall piece of furniture used for storing clothes.

Synonyms

armoire, closet, cupboard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wardrobe

This term is often used in British English to refer to a large, freestanding piece of furniture used for storing clothes. It can also refer to a person's entire collection of clothing.

  • She opened her wardrobe to choose a dress for the party.
  • He has a diverse wardrobe, filled with suits, shirts, and jeans.
closet

Used commonly in American English, this term refers to a small room or enclosed space for storing clothes, shoes, or other household items. Closets can be built-in fixtures in homes and other buildings.

  • He keeps all his winter coats in the hallway closet.
  • She reorganized her closet to make more space for storage.
cupboard

This term is typically used to describe a piece of furniture or a built-in space with shelves for storing dishes, food, or other household items. It is not usually used to refer to furniture for storing clothes.

  • She reached into the cupboard to get a mug for her coffee.
  • All the pantry items are stored in the kitchen cupboard.
armoire

This is a French term that is commonly used in English to describe a tall, ornate cabinet or wardrobe, often used to store clothes, linens, or even dishes. It usually implies a more decorative or antique piece of furniture.

  • The antique armoire in the bedroom is a family heirloom.
  • She keeps her best china in an elegant armoire in the dining room.

Examples of usage

  • I need to buy a new wardrobe for my bedroom.
  • She has a huge wardrobe full of clothes.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

Wardrobe can also refer to a person's collection of clothes.

Synonyms

clothing collection, outfits.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wardrobe

Used when referring to all the clothes someone owns or a piece of furniture where clothes are kept.

  • She has a vast wardrobe filled with dresses and accessories
  • The wardrobe in the bedroom is made of solid oak
clothing collection

Used when talking about a specific group of clothes, often curated for fashion, such as a seasonally themed collection or designer collection.

  • The designer's new clothing collection for spring was a hit on the runway
  • She loves updating her clothing collection each season
outfits

Used to describe sets of clothes worn together for specific occasions or daily wear.

  • She has several stylish outfits ready for her vacation
  • He always picks the best outfits for work

Examples of usage

  • Her wardrobe is full of designer dresses.
  • He has a stylish wardrobe with the latest trends.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • In the Middle Ages, wardrobes were literally a room, often lined with cloth to prevent dust on garments.
  • Royal wardrobes contained not only clothing but also symbols of power and status, influencing fashion trends.

Pop Culture

  • Famous fictional wardrobes, like the one in 'The Chronicles of Narnia', serve as magical gateways to other worlds.
  • Wardrobe malfunctions have become a humorous and talked-about topic in the entertainment industry.

Psychology

  • The way people organize their wardrobes can reflect their personality and sense of identity.
  • Some studies suggest that a well-organized wardrobe can reduce stress and decision fatigue when choosing outfits.

Design and Innovation

  • Modern wardrobes come in many styles, utilizing innovative designs such as modular pieces for better space management.
  • Smart wardrobes now integrate technology, allowing users to plan outfits based on weather and events.

Origin of 'wardrobe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old French 'guarderobe', which means a place to keep clothes safe.
  • It combines 'garder' (to guard) and 'robe' (a garment), reflecting its purpose of protecting clothing.

The word 'wardrobe' originated from the Old French word 'warderobe', which was a room where clothes were kept. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the furniture piece itself. Wardrobes have been used for centuries to store clothing and personal belongings, reflecting changes in fashion and lifestyle. Today, wardrobes are essential furniture items in many households, providing both functionality and style.


See also: inward, ward, warden.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,494, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.