dirndl

noun

ˈdərn-dᵊl How to pronounce dirndl (audio)
1
: a dress style with tight bodice, short sleeves, low neck, and gathered skirt
2
: a full skirt with a tight waistband

Examples of dirndl 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.
The dirndl and lederhosen crowd is already way ahead of her. — Martin Fritz Huber, Outside, 6 Nov. 2025 At a recent show the ringleader wore a red dirndl with gray knee socks and black ankle boots. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026 Cute villages, dirndls and lederhosen, fairy-tale castles. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2026 The property can also arrange a private fitting for dirndl or lederhosen. — Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirndl

Word History

Etymology

short for German Dirndlkleid, from German dialect Dirndl girl + German Kleid dress

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dirndl was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

dirl
dirndl
dirt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

dirndl

noun
ˈdərn-dᵊl How to pronounce dirndl (audio)
: a full skirt with a tight waistband
Etymology

a shortened form of German Dirndlkleid, literally, "girl's dress," from Dirndl "girl" and Kleid "dress"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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