What does alb mean?
An alb is a long, loose-fitting white vestment with sleeves that reaches from the shoulders to the ankles, worn by clergy, altar servers, and other ministers during Christian worship. Tied at the waist with a cord or sash known as a cincture, it is one of the oldest and most fundamental pieces of liturgical dress, serving as the base garment upon which other vestments such as the chasuble or stole may be placed. The name derives directly from the Latin word albus, meaning white, reflecting the garment's traditional color, which symbolizes purity and baptism. Albs are used across many Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Protestant churches, and they remain standard attire for those serving at the altar today.
nounA long, loose white liturgical vestment with sleeves, worn by clergy and other ministers — often tied at the waist with a cincture — during church services.
- A full-length white linen vestment worn by clergy, servers, and other ministers in Christian liturgical services.
"The acolyte adjusted his alb before lighting the candles for the evening service."
"The priest donned a simple white alb before putting on the chasuble."
"Each server was fitted with a freshly laundered alb for the Easter vigil."
Standard regular plural; used when referring to multiple garments, e.g. a set belonging to a church.
"The sacristan laundered all the albs before Holy Week."
The word 'alb' comes straight from the Latin 'albus', meaning white — making it a close cousin of 'album' and even 'albino'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of alb
The alb derives from the Latin albus, meaning 'white', via the medieval Latin term alba (vestis), referring to a white tunic. It entered English through Old French in the medieval period, when it already denoted the liturgical garment. The same Latin root gives English words such as album, albumen, albedo, and albino, all carrying a connection to whiteness.
How alb is actually used
A formal, primarily ecclesiastical term; outside of religious contexts it appears mainly in discussions of church history, liturgy, or vestments. It is always a countable noun.
Easily confused with alb
A surplice is a shorter, looser white vestment worn over a cassock, whereas an alb is a full-length tunic-like garment reaching to the ankles.