headscarf

/ˈhedskɑːf/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhedskɑːrf/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhed-ˌskärf/ (ame, mw)

headscarf — noun

  • headscarfsingular
  • headscarfsplural

1. a square or rectangular piece of cloth that a person ties over the hair, often f

1.名詞B1
釋義

a square or rectangular piece of cloth that a person ties over the hair, often folded into a triangle and knotted under the chin or behind the head.

例句

Nellie tied a bright yellow headscarf over her hair before working in the garden.

collocation: tie a headscarf over [body part]

Grandma always kept a silk headscarf in her handbag for windy afternoons at the beach.

typical context: protection against wind / weather

同義詞
  • kerchief

    old-fashioned word for a similar square cloth tied over the head.

  • bandana

    smaller square cloth, often patterned, usually tied around the forehead rather than over the whole head.

文法句型

wear a headscarf

tie a headscarf

用法筆記

Plural is 'headscarves' (f→v change), like 'scarves'. Distinguish from sense 2 by purpose: this sense covers everyday use for warmth, fashion, or weather protection, with no religious framing.

常見錯誤

❌She wore a headscarfs around her hair.
✅She wore a headscarf around her hair.
💡singular has no -s; the plural is 'headscarves'.

2. a cloth that some Muslim women place over the hair and neck for religious or mod

2.名詞B1
釋義

a cloth that some Muslim women place over the hair and neck for religious or modesty reasons when they go out or meet people from outside the family.

例句

Roya put on her headscarf before stepping out to meet her new university tutor.

collocation: put on a headscarf (before going out / meeting people)

In the photograph, Folake stood beside her sister, both wearing patterned headscarves.

plural form: headscarves

同義詞
  • hijab

    specifically the religious head covering worn by Muslim women; also names the wider modest-dress practice.

  • veil

    broader term; may cover the face as well as the hair, and is used across several religious traditions.

文法句型

wear a headscarf

用法筆記

Subject is usually a Muslim woman or girl; the cloth often covers both hair and neck. Distinguish from sense 1 by religious / modesty motivation. Closely related to 'hijab', though 'hijab' can also refer to the broader practice of modest dress.

常見錯誤

❌She wears the headscarf for fashion only.' (when meaning religious observance).
✅She wears a hijab/headscarf as part of her faith.
💡if the religious meaning is the point, naming it ('as part of her faith', 'for prayer') prevents confusion with sense 1.