English · Word Candidate

apparel

/əˈpæɹəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: apparels · appareling · apparelling · appareled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Clothing.

Noun

Examples

fresh in his new apparel, proud and young

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Aspect, guise, form.

Noun

Examples

At public devotions, her winning modesty, her resigned carriage, made virtue and religion appear with new ornaments, and in the natural apparel of simplicity and beauty.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To dress or clothe; to attire.

Verb

Examples

They which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To furnish with apparatus; to equip; to fit out.

Verb

Examples

ships appareled to fight

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “apparel” mean?

Clothing.

Is “apparel” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.