abaya

noun

aba·​ya ə-ˈbī-ə How to pronounce abaya (audio)
: a loose-fitting full-length robe worn by some Muslim women

Examples of abaya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Women cover their heads and wear the abaya, a long black gown. — Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2022 Nilab looked like a spy in her abaya, gloves that covered her tattoos and sunglasses. — Juliet MacUr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Some Saudi women in larger cities still wear an abaya, but many forgo any kind of head cover. — Felicia Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Jan. 2022 The brand’s renown has been fanned by the likes Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, who has sported a Bouguessa abaya as a long duster. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abaya

Word History

Etymology

Arabic ʽabāya

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abaya was in 1810

Rhymes for abaya

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Browse Nearby Words

Abay
abaya
abazi
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abaya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abaya. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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