a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
"She wore an elegant evening gown to the gala."
the members of a university as distinguished from the other residents of the town in which the university is located
"the relations between town and gown are always sensitive"
lingerie consisting of a loose dress designed to be worn in bed by women
"She kept her favorite silk gown in the drawer, ready to wear on quiet nights at home."
protective garment worn by surgeons during operations
"The surgeon adjusted her sterile gown before entering the operating room to ensure it was properly sealed against contamination."
A loose, flowing upper garment.
"The actress wore an elegant white gown that flowed behind her as she walked down the runway."
In plain English: A gown is a long, loose-fitting robe that people wear for special events like weddings or graduations.
"She wore an elegant white gown to the wedding ceremony."
Usage: Use the noun gown specifically for formal dresses worn by women at events like weddings or balls, rather than casual evening wear which is typically called a "dress." When referring to professional attire such as academic robes or hospital uniforms, this term remains appropriate despite its association with ceremonial gowns.
dress in a gown
"The bride looked radiant as she walked down the aisle in her white wedding gown."
To dress in a gown, to don or garb with a gown.
"The actor gowned himself in the elaborate velvet robe before stepping onto the stage."
In plain English: To gown means to put clothes on someone else, usually by dressing them from head to toe.
"The old lady gowned herself in her finest dress before leaving for church."
The word gown entered English via Middle English and Anglo-Norman as "gowne," originally referring to a coat trimmed with fur or leather. It traces its roots back through Old French to Late Latin gunna, which described similar heavy garments made of animal skins.