Gown vs. Frock — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Gown is a long, elegant dress often worn for formal events. Frock is a dress, typically knee-length or shorter.
Difference Between Gown and Frock
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gowns and frocks are both types of dresses worn by women. A gown is typically a long, flowing dress, often associated with formal events or ceremonies. Frocks, on the other hand, are more general terms for dresses, which can range from casual to formal.
While gowns are commonly seen at events like weddings, galas, and proms, frocks can be seen in everyday wear, parties, and informal gatherings. Both have evolved through time, with varying styles and patterns.
Gowns often emphasize elegance and sophistication. They can be strapless, have long sleeves, or even be backless. Frocks can be sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved, and can be as simple or as elaborate as desired.
In historical context, gowns were more associated with the upper class, symbolizing status and luxury. Frocks were worn by the masses, often simpler in design and more functional in nature.
Both gowns and frocks can be made from a variety of materials. Gowns often use more luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet, while frocks can be made from cotton, polyester, and other everyday materials.
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Comparison Chart
Length
Typically long, reaching the ankles or floor.
Generally shorter, often knee-length.
Occasion
Suited for formal events and ceremonies.
Suited for both casual and formal wear.
Historical Context
Associated with upper-class and luxury.
Worn by the masses, simpler in design.
Fabric
Often made from luxurious materials like silk.
Can be made from everyday materials.
Variations
Can be strapless, backless, with various sleeves.
Range from sleeveless to long-sleeved.
Compare with Definitions
Gown
A formal, full-length dress.
She wore a stunning gown to the ball.
Frock
A child's dress or tunic.
The little girl's frock had daisies printed on it.
Gown
A protective garment worn in hospitals.
The doctor put on a surgical gown before the procedure.
Frock
A woolen garment formerly worn by sailors; a jersey.
Gown
A robe worn by professionals, like judges or academics.
He donned his graduation gown for the ceremony.
Frock
A loose outer garment worn by monks.
The monk wore a simple brown frock.
Gown
A long loose flowing garment, such as a robe or nightgown.
Frock
A sailor's loose shirt or blouse.
He wore his navy frock with pride.
Gown
A woman's nightgown or dressing gown.
She slipped into her silk gown before bed.
Frock
Frock has been used since Middle English as the name for an article of clothing, typically coat-like, for men and women.
Gown
An outer covering or garment.
The artist wore a gown to protect her clothes from paint splatters.
Frock
A dress.
Gown
A long elegant dress worn on formal occasions
A silk ball gown
Frock
A long loose outer garment, as that worn by artists and craftspeople; a smock.
Gown
Be dressed in a gown
She was gowned in luminous silk
Frock
A robe worn by monks, friars, and other clerics; a habit.
Gown
A long, usually formal dress.
Frock
To clothe in a frock.
Gown
A robe or smock worn in operating rooms and other parts of hospitals as a guard against contamination.
Frock
To invest with clerical office.
Gown
A distinctive outer robe worn on ceremonial occasions, as by scholars or clerics.
Frock
A dress, a piece of clothing, which consists of a skirt and a cover for the upper body.
Gown
The faculty and student body of a university
Perfect accord between town and gown.
Frock
An outer garment worn by priests and other clericals; a habit.
Gown
To clothe (oneself or another) with a gown.
Frock
A sailor's jersey.
Gown
A loose, flowing upper garment.
Frock
An undress regimental coat.
Gown
A woman's ordinary outer dress, such as a calico or silk gown.
Frock
(dialectal) A frog.
Gown
The official robe of certain professionals, clerics, and scholars, such as university students and officers, barristers, judges, etc.
Frock
(transitive) To clothe (somebody) in a frock.
Gown
The dress of civil officers, as opposed to military officers.
Frock
(transitive) To make (somebody) a cleric.
Gown
(by metonymy) The university community, especially as contrasted with the local populace.
In the perennial town versus gown battles, townies win some violent battles, but the collegians are winning the war.
Frock
To grant to an officer the title and uniform of a rank he will soon be promoted to.
Gown
A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown.
Frock
A loose outer garment; especially, a gown forming a part of European modern costume for women and children; also, a coarse shirtlike garment worn by some workmen over their other clothes; a smock frock; as, a marketman's frock.
Gown
Any sort of dress or garb.
Frock
A coarse gown worn by monks or friars, and supposed to take the place of all, or nearly all, other garments. It has a hood which can be drawn over the head at pleasure, and is girded by a cord.
Gown
The robe worn by a surgeon.
Frock
To clothe in a frock.
Gown
To dress in a gown, to don or garb with a gown.
Frock
To make a monk of. Cf. Unfrock.
Gown
A loose, flowing upper garment
He Mars deposed, and arms to gowns made yield.
Frock
A one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
Gown
A loose wrapper worn by gentlemen within doors; a dressing gown.
Frock
Put a frock on
Gown
Any sort of dress or garb.
He comes . . . in the gown of humility.
Frock
A woman's dress.
She bought a new frock for the party.
Gown
Long, usually formal, woman's dress
Frock
A type of coat or jacket, especially a man’s knee-length coat.
He put on his frock coat for the formal dinner.
Gown
Protective garment worn by surgeons during operations
Gown
Outerwear consisting of a long flowing garment used for official or ceremonial occasions
Gown
Dress in a gown
Common Curiosities
What is a gown typically used for?
A gown is typically a long, elegant dress used for formal events or ceremonies.
Are frocks only for women?
Primarily, yes, but historically, frocks refer to garments worn by monks or even children's dresses.
What's the main difference between a gown and a frock?
A gown is typically long and formal, while a frock is a general term for dresses which can be casual or formal.
Is a frock always short?
No, while frocks are often shorter, their length can vary from knee-length to longer styles.
Are gowns more expensive than frocks?
Not necessarily. The cost depends on the material, brand, and design, not just the type of dress.
Are graduation robes considered gowns?
Yes, graduation robes are a type of gown worn by academics.
Are all dresses considered frocks?
While "frock" can be a generic term for a dress, not all dresses might be referred to as frocks in modern usage.
Do frocks have a specific design or pattern?
No, frocks can come in various designs, patterns, and styles.
Can a gown be casual?
While gowns are generally associated with formality, there can be more relaxed styles of gowns.
Can gowns be worn daily?
While they can be, gowns are typically reserved for special occasions due to their formal nature.
Can men wear frocks?
Historically, the term "frock" has referred to certain men's clothing, like frock coats.
Is "frock" an old-fashioned term?
While "frock" has older origins, it's still used today to describe certain styles of dresses.
Is the term "gown" only used in fashion?
No, "gown" can also refer to other garments like protective wear in hospitals or academic robes.
Do frocks have sleeves?
Frocks can be sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved, depending on the design.
Can the term "gown" refer to protective clothing?
Yes, in medical contexts, a "gown" can refer to protective clothing like surgical gowns.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
