aprons
|a-pron|
/ˈeɪprən/
(apron)
protective garment
Etymology
'apron' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'napron', where 'napron' came from Old French 'naperon', a diminutive of 'nappe' (cloth or tablecloth).
'apron' changed from the Middle English word 'napron' and, through a process of rebracketing (an napron → a napron → an apron), became the modern English word 'apron'. The Old French 'naperon' ultimately traces back to Latin 'mappa' meaning 'cloth'.
Initially it referred to a cloth or small protective covering (such as a tablecloth or napkin), but over time it evolved into the current primary meaning of a protective garment worn over the front of the body and later extended to related senses (stage front, airport area, protective slabs).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a protective garment worn over the front of the body to protect clothing while cooking, cleaning, or doing messy work.
She bought new aprons for the kitchen.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the area at an airport where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, or boarded (also called the ramp).
Several cargo planes were parked on the aprons overnight.
Synonyms
Noun 3
the part of a stage that projects in front of the curtain line; the front edge of a stage.
The actors performed on the aprons to be closer to the audience.
Synonyms
Noun 4
a flat or sloping protective strip or slab around a structure or opening (for example, a concrete apron at a loading bay or around a door), or the border/edge around an object (e.g., the apron of a pool table).
Workers poured concrete aprons around the loading bay to prevent erosion.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/28 13:32