What does bathrobe mean?
A bathrobe is a loose-fitting robe, most often made of absorbent terry cloth, cotton, fleece, or silk, that people wear immediately before or after bathing, swimming, or showering, and sometimes simply for comfort while relaxing at home. Typically fastened with a belt or sash at the waist, it serves the practical purpose of covering and drying the body while preserving modesty in shared spaces such as gyms, spas, and hotels. The word carries warm associations of leisure, privacy, and self-care — the image of someone lingering over coffee in a bathrobe on a slow weekend morning is a familiar cultural touchstone. In Britain a similar garment is more commonly called a dressing gown, while in North America 'bathrobe' and its shortened form 'robe' are standard. Beyond everyday use, plush white bathrobes have become a signature amenity of hotels and spas, to the point of symbolizing indulgent comfort.
nounA loose-fitting garment, typically made of towelling or soft fabric, worn before or after bathing or while lounging at home.
- A loose, typically absorbent robe worn before or after bathing.
- A comfortable robe worn casually at home for lounging.
"She wrapped herself in a warm bathrobe and padded downstairs for her morning coffee."
"He slipped on his bathrobe and shuffled to the kitchen to put the kettle on."
"The spa provided each guest with a plush white bathrobe and matching slippers."
Standard regular plural formation; used when referring to multiple robes, such as those provided to guests.
"The hotel stocked fresh bathrobes in every room."
The fluffy hotel bathrobe is so beloved that it tops lists of the most-stolen items from hotels worldwide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bathrobe
The word bathrobe is an English compound formed from 'bath', which derives from Old English 'bæð' through Proto-Germanic roots related to warming and immersing, and 'robe', borrowed from Old French 'robe' meaning a garment, ultimately of Germanic origin via Frankish. As a compound, bathrobe arose naturally as the specific garment worn around bathing became distinct from general lounging robes, becoming established in the nineteenth century as indoor bathing grew common. Its component parts connect it to words like 'bathe' and 'disrobe'.
How bathrobe is actually used
Bathrobe is a neutral, everyday word with no strong connotations of formality or informality. In American usage 'bathrobe' and 'robe' are common; British speakers more often say 'dressing gown' for a similar garment. The word often carries connotations of relaxation, comfort, or leisure.
Easily confused with bathrobe
A dressing gown is a lighter garment worn over clothes or nightwear for lounging, whereas a bathrobe is specifically a heavier, often absorbent towelling garment worn around bathing.