nightgown

[nahyt-goun]

noun

1. a loose gown, worn in bed by women or children.

2. Archaic.,  a dressing gown.

nightgown

/ ˈnaɪtˌɡaʊn /

noun

1. another name for nightdress

2. a man's nightshirt

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightgown¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; night, gown

Example Sentences

She describes her mother, who was a school teacher, as “very conservative” — and also prone to going to the grocery store in just a nightgown and no bra.

From Salon

She found Keke there, asleep in her nightgown with her head resting on the kitchen table.

From Los Angeles Times

She jumped out of bed in her nightgown, chased after her 10-year-old border collie, Henry Valentine, and ran to her car in a pair of sandals.

From Los Angeles Times

After nine hours at the hospital, I got dressed in the only piece of clothing I had with me: my nightgown.

From Los Angeles Times

The woman was found wearing a nightgown and was unresponsive with multiple stab wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lingerie 
• pajamas