What does cloak mean?
A cloak is a loose, sleeveless outer garment that fastens at the neck and falls freely over the shoulders and body. Once everyday wear across much of Europe, it is now associated chiefly with historical dress, fantasy fiction, ceremonial robes, and dramatic costume, though it survives as practical cold-weather wear in some regions. Beyond its literal sense, 'cloak' carries a rich figurative meaning: anything that hides or disguises the truth may be described as a cloak, as in 'a cloak of secrecy' or 'a cloak of respectability'. As a verb, to cloak something is to cover or conceal it, whether physically or metaphorically. The word derives ultimately from medieval Latin 'clocca', meaning bell, because early versions of the garment were bell-shaped — the same root that gives us 'clock'. Its enduring association with mystery, espionage ('cloak-and-dagger'), and concealment makes it a favourite of writers seeking an air of intrigue.
A loose sleeveless outer garment that fastens at the neck and hangs from the shoulders; also, figuratively, something that conceals or disguises.
"He draped his cloak over the chair by the fire."
The figurative sense typically appears in phrases like 'a cloak of secrecy' or 'a cloak for corruption'.
To cover or conceal someone or something, either literally with a covering or figuratively by disguising its true nature.
"The hills were cloaked in mist all morning."
Often used in the passive form 'cloaked in'; slightly literary in tone compared with 'hide' or 'conceal'.
Standard regular plural; applies only to the literal-garment sense and occasionally to figurative uses.
"The actors hung their velvet cloaks backstage before the second act."
The word 'clock' and the word 'cloak' come from the same source: a bell-shaped garment was named after a bell itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cloak
Cloak entered English in the Middle Ages, most likely via Old North French 'cloke', a variant of Old French 'cloche'. The ultimate source is medieval Latin 'clocca', meaning 'bell', so called because the earliest such garments flared out in the shape of a bell. The same Latin root produced 'clock', which explains the surprising kinship between the two words. Cognates appear in other Romance languages, including modern French 'cloche'.
Related word forms
How cloak is actually used
As a verb, 'cloak' is somewhat literary or formal in register; 'conceal' or 'hide' are more common in everyday speech. The figurative noun sense almost always appears in the pattern 'a cloak for/of + abstract noun', as in 'a cloak of respectability'.