yukata

IPA/jʊˈkætæ/
IPA/jʊˈkætæ/

yukata — noun

1. a lightweight, informal Japanese robe made from cotton fabric, traditionally wor

1.nounB1
Definition

a lightweight, informal Japanese robe made from cotton fabric, traditionally worn in summer for festivals, evening walks, or after bathing

Example

Yuki wore a blue yukata with white flower patterns to the summer festival in Osaka.

collocation: wear a yukata

The ryokan left a clean cotton yukata in each guest's room for after the bath.

cultural context: worn after bathing at a ryokan (Japanese inn)

Common collocations
  • wear a yukata
  • put on a yukata
  • cotton yukata
  • summer yukata

Usage Note

Unlike a formal kimono made of silk, a yukata is a single-layer cotton garment worn without a separate collar or underlayer. It is standard attire at summer festivals (matsuri), fireworks events (hanabi), and in traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) after bathing.

Common collocations

Phrases

  • wear a yukata
  • put on a yukata
  • cotton yukata
  • summer yukata
  • yukata pattern

Etymology

JapaneseEnglish

Borrowed from Japanese 浴衣 (yukata), from 湯 (yu, 'hot water, bath') and 衣 (koromo / katabira, 'garment, robe'). Originally referring to a light robe worn after bathing in hot springs or public baths, the word entered English in the late 19th century as Japanese textiles and customs became known in the West.