caftan

1 of 2

noun (1)

caf·​tan ˈkaf-(ˌ)tan How to pronounce caftan (audio)
variants or less commonly kaftan
: a usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East

kaftan

2 of 2

noun (2)

kaf·​tan

less common spelling of caftan

: a usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East

Examples of caftan 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.
Noun
Choose from shorts and capri sets or caftan sleepshirts. — ABC News, 12 May 2026 The best caftans feel lightweight and roomy without overwhelming your frame. — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Noun
She is clad in a burgundy-and-navy-floral kaftan and matching headwrap. — Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025 There was her sequin kaftan in Los Angeles. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caftan

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Russian & Turkish; Russian kaftan, from Turkish, from Persian qaftān

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caftan was in 1591

Rhymes for caftan

See All Rhymes for caftan

Browse Nearby Words

CAFO
caftan
cafuso
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

caftan

noun
caf·​tan
variants also kaftan
kaf-ˈtan, 
ˈkaf-ˌtan
: an ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East

More from Merriam-Webster on caftan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caftan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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