A shawl is a piece of fabric, usually rectangular, triangular, or square in shape, that is worn over the shoulders, around the neck, or wrapped around the body. It serves as a functional accessory for warmth and comfort, and it is also used as a decorative garment in many cultures. Shawls come in various materials, such as wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers, and they often feature intricate designs, embroidery, or patterns, making them both practical and stylish. Shawls hold cultural significance in many traditions, symbolizing elegance, modesty, or celebration.
Here are 10 sentences using “shawl” to clarify its meaning:
- She draped the shawl over her shoulders to stay warm during the chilly evening.
- The bride wore a delicate lace shawl that complemented her wedding gown beautifully.
- He gifted her a handwoven shawl from the local artisans during his trip to India.
- The elderly woman wrapped her thick woolen shawl tightly around her to shield herself from the cold.
- The colorful shawl she bought at the market had intricate embroidery that caught everyone’s attention.
- During the ceremony, the shawl was used as a symbol of unity between the couple.
- She folded the shawl neatly and placed it in her bag, just in case the weather turned cold later.
- The actress wore a luxurious silk shawl that added elegance to her evening outfit.
- The shawl was passed down through generations, becoming a cherished family heirloom.
- As the sun set, she used the lightweight shawl to cover her head and shoulders from the cool breeze.
Synonyms for “shawl”:
- Wrap
- Stole
- Scarf
- Mantle
- Cape
- Pashmina
- Cloak
- Mantilla
- Throw
- Covering
Here are the explanations and examples for the given words related to garments or coverings:
Wrap
Meaning: A piece of fabric worn around the shoulders or body, often for warmth or style.
- She draped a colorful wrap over her evening gown to stay warm.
- The lightweight wrap was perfect for the chilly summer evening.
Stole
Meaning: A long, narrow piece of fabric, often made of fur or silk, worn over the shoulders.
- She wore a mink stole to complement her elegant dress.
- The stole added a touch of luxury to her outfit.
Scarf
Meaning: A piece of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth, protection, or fashion.
- He wrapped a wool scarf around his neck to guard against the cold wind.
- The silk scarf added a pop of color to her plain outfit.
Mantle
Meaning: A loose, sleeveless cloak or shawl, often symbolic of authority or responsibility.
- The king’s mantle was adorned with gold and precious jewels.
- She assumed the mantle of leadership after her predecessor retired.
Cape
Meaning: A sleeveless outer garment that fastens at the neck and drapes over the back and shoulders.
- The superhero’s red cape fluttered dramatically in the wind.
- The vintage cape she found at the thrift store was both stylish and functional.
Pashmina
Meaning: A fine type of cashmere wool, often used for making luxurious shawls and wraps.
- She gifted her mother a pashmina scarf from her trip to Kashmir.
- The soft pashmina wrap was perfect for the chilly evening.
Cloak
Meaning: A long, loose outer garment that covers the body, often with a hood.
- The mysterious figure wore a dark cloak that concealed their identity.
- Medieval travelers often carried a sturdy cloak for protection against the elements.
Mantilla
Meaning: A lace or silk scarf traditionally worn by women, especially in Spain, draped over the head and shoulders.
- The bride wore a white mantilla that complemented her traditional gown.
- During the procession, many women donned black mantillas as a sign of mourning.
Throw
Meaning: A decorative piece of fabric, often used as a blanket or draped over furniture.
- She grabbed a cozy throw from the couch to wrap herself in while watching TV.
- The handwoven throw added a touch of charm to the living room.
Covering
Meaning: A general term for any material or garment that provides protection, concealment, or adornment.
- The thick covering shielded the plants from frost.
- She used a light covering to protect her shoulders from the sun.
Antonyms for “shawl” (indirect, based on lack of coverage or opposite purposes):
- T-shirt
- Tank top
- Jacket (less flexible and casual)
- Blouse
- Sweater (specific garment types not wrap-around in nature)
- Shirt
Here are explanations and examples for the given words related to specific garment types:
T-shirt
Meaning: A casual short-sleeved top, typically made of cotton and without buttons.
- He wore a plain white T-shirt with jeans for a relaxed look.
- Graphic T-shirts with band logos are popular among music fans.
Tank top
Meaning: A sleeveless shirt with wide shoulder straps, often worn in warm weather or during physical activity.
- She opted for a tank top and shorts on the hot summer day.
- The athlete’s tank top was designed to wick away sweat.
Jacket
Meaning: A short, outer garment, typically more structured and less casual than sweaters or wraps.
- He zipped up his leather jacket before heading out on his motorcycle.
- The denim jacket added a rugged touch to her outfit.
Blouse
Meaning: A loose-fitting upper garment, often worn by women, typically styled with feminine details like ruffles or buttons.
- Her silk blouse had delicate lace trim around the collar.
- A crisp white blouse is a versatile piece for both formal and casual settings.
Sweater
Meaning: A knitted garment worn on the upper body for warmth, typically pullover or cardigan style.
- The wool sweater kept her cozy during the chilly evening.
- He paired a lightweight sweater with a collared shirt for a smart-casual look.
Shirt
Meaning: A general term for a tailored top with a collar, buttons, and sometimes long sleeves.
- He wore a dress shirt and tie for the job interview.
- The casual linen shirt was perfect for a beach vacation.
Related Words:
- Fabric
- Accessory
- Embroidery
- Garment
- Warmth
- Fashion
- Comfort
- Drape
- Coverage
- Traditional wear
Here are the explanations and examples for the given clothing-related terms:
Fabric
Meaning: The material used to make clothing or other textiles, such as cotton, wool, polyester, or silk.
- The dress was made from a soft, breathable fabric perfect for hot weather.
- The tailor carefully selected the fabric to ensure the suit would feel luxurious.
Accessory
Meaning: An item worn or carried to complement or enhance an outfit, such as jewelry, hats, belts, or scarves.
- She added a gold necklace as an accessory to complete her evening look.
- The stylish handbag was the perfect accessory to her black dress.
Embroidery
Meaning: Decorative stitching or needlework that is applied to fabric to create patterns or designs, often seen on shirts, dresses, or accessories.
- The dress featured beautiful floral embroidery along the hem.
- Her grandmother’s hand-embroidered tablecloth was a family heirloom.
Garment
Meaning: A general term for an article of clothing.
- The store sells a wide range of garments, from casual wear to formal attire.
- She carefully chose the perfect garment for the evening gala.
Warmth
Meaning: The quality of being warm or providing comfort from the cold, often a key characteristic of clothing items like sweaters, coats, or scarves.
- The jacket provided enough warmth for the cold winter night.
- She wrapped herself in a cozy blanket for extra warmth during the storm.
Fashion
Meaning: A popular or trending style, often related to clothing, accessories, or overall appearance.
- She’s always ahead of fashion, wearing the latest trends.
- The fashion industry constantly evolves with new designers and collections.
Comfort
Meaning: A quality of clothing or accessories that ensures physical ease and relaxation, often through soft materials or appropriate fit.
- The soft cotton T-shirt provided all-day comfort.
- He opted for comfortable shoes that didn’t pinch his feet.
Drape
Meaning: The way a fabric falls or hangs on the body, often used to describe how clothes fit and flow.
- The dress had a beautiful drape that made it look elegant.
- The fabric’s drape gave the outfit a sophisticated, effortless look.
Coverage
Meaning: The extent to which clothing covers the body, often used in relation to modesty or protection from the elements.
- The coat provided full coverage, protecting him from the cold wind.
- She preferred dresses with more coverage for added comfort and style.
Traditional wear
Meaning: Clothing styles that are traditional or customary in a specific culture, often worn during cultural events or ceremonies.
- She wore a beautiful sari, a piece of traditional wear from her heritage.
- Many countries have their own traditional wear for weddings and festivals.
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Wrap oneself in” – To cover or enfold oneself with a shawl or similar garment.
- “Drape over” – To loosely place a shawl or fabric over something.
- “Layer up” – To wear additional layers, including a shawl, for warmth.
- “Throw on” – To casually wear or place a shawl or piece of clothing.
- “Wear like a second skin” – To feel so comfortable in a garment, such as a shawl, that it feels natural.
Here are the explanations and examples for the given phrases related to wearing or using garments:
“Wrap oneself in”
Meaning: To cover or enfold oneself in a piece of clothing or fabric, typically something like a shawl, blanket, or coat.
- After a long day, she wrapped herself in a warm, cozy blanket.
- He wrapped himself in a thick woolen scarf to protect against the chilly wind.
“Drape over”
Meaning: To loosely place a garment or piece of fabric over something, often to enhance appearance or for warmth.
- She draped a beautiful shawl over her shoulders before heading out.
- He draped the towel over the chair after taking a shower.
“Layer up”
Meaning: To wear multiple layers of clothing, such as a sweater, jacket, and shawl, for added warmth or style.
- When the temperature drops, it’s time to layer up with scarves, jackets, and gloves.
- She decided to layer up with a cardigan over her dress to stay warm during the evening.
“Throw on”
Meaning: To casually or quickly wear a garment, often without much thought, such as a shawl, jacket, or scarf.
- He just threw on a jacket and ran out the door.
- After a quick shower, she threw on a comfortable T-shirt and jeans.
“Wear like a second skin”
Meaning: To feel so comfortable and natural in a garment that it fits closely and seamlessly, almost as if it were a part of the body.
- The soft, stretchy fabric of the leggings made her feel like she was wearing them like a second skin.
- The silk blouse draped perfectly on her, and she wore it like a second skin, feeling both elegant and comfortable.