What does headscarf mean?
A headscarf is a piece of cloth worn around the head, commonly covering the hair and sometimes the neck or part of the face. People may wear one for warmth or protection, as a fashion accessory, or as an expression of cultural, religious, or personal identity. The term is used in both British and American English, although it may be especially associated with discussions of dress in Britain and in communities where head coverings have cultural or religious significance. A headscarf is distinct from a general scarf, which is more commonly worn around the neck or shoulders. The word is useful because it gives a simple name to a broad category of garments without implying a particular material, pattern, style, or purpose. Although the expression is primarily associated with a scarf, the word can also refer to similar cloth head coverings.
nounA scarf or similar piece of fabric worn around the head, often to cover the hair, head, neck, or face. It may be worn for warmth, fashion, cultural tradition, or religious reasons.
- A scarf or similar cloth worn around the head.
"She wore a patterned headscarf to protect her hair from the cold wind."
"The shop sells headscarves in a range of bright colors and patterns."
"In some communities, a headscarf is worn as part of traditional or religious dress."
Both plural forms are used; headscarves is the traditional plural form.
"The market stall displayed several colorful headscarves."
A single piece of fabric can be a practical wrap, a fashion statement, or an expression of cultural and religious identity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does headscarf come from?
Headscarf is a transparent English compound formed from the older words head and scarf. Its meaning is a natural specialization of scarf: rather than any scarf worn in various ways, it is one worn around the head. The compound has no separate inherited or borrowed root beyond these English elements.
How headscarf is actually used
The word is generally neutral and can describe practical, fashionable, traditional, or religious head coverings. It does not by itself identify a particular religion, culture, or style of dress.
Easily confused with headscarf
A scarf is a long strip or piece of fabric worn around the neck, shoulders, or sometimes the head, whereas a headscarf specifically refers to a scarf worn around the head.