vest

/vɛst/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: vests · vesting · vested

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.

NounRegister: US

Examples

The Jones man was looking at her hard. Now he reached into the hatch of his vest and fetched out a couple of cigars, everlasting big ones, with gilt bands on them.

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

A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.

NounRegister: UK

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.

Verb

Examples

Came vested all in white, pure as her mind.

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 clothe with authority, power, etc.; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; followed by with and the thing conferred.

Verb

Examples

to vest a court with power to try cases of life and death

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 “vest” mean?

A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.

Is “vest” formal or informal?

vest is generally US.