apron
apron
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "apron" is /ˈeɪprən/.
First syllable: /eɪ/ (as in "day")
Second syllable: /prən/ (as in "run" with a "p" before it)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: apron
Plural Noun: aprons
Singular Verb (present tense, 3rd person): aprons
Present Participle (Verb/Adjective): aproning
Past Tense Verb: aproned
Past Participle (Verb/Adjective): aproned
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A garment worn over the front of the body, primarily for protection of clothes from dirt or stains, especially while cooking, cleaning, or performing manual labor.
Synonyms: pinafore, smock, overall
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "uncovered" or "unprotected" in a figurative sense)
A paved area on an airfield where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained.
Synonyms: tarmac, ramp (aviation)
Antonyms: runway, taxiway (these are distinct parts of an airfield, not antonyms)
A protective or decorative covering for the front of something, such as the part of a stage in front of the curtain, or a piece of wood or metal attached to the underside of a table.
Synonyms: skirting, fringe, pelmet
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Verb
To cover or protect with an apron or something resembling an apron.
Synonyms: cover, shield, drape, cloak
Antonyms: uncover, expose, reveal
Examples of Use
Books:
"She tied a crisp, white apron around her waist before beginning to knead the dough, a familiar ritual that brought her comfort." (From a work of fiction, e.g., The Baker's Tale)
"The historical society's exhibit featured a display of vintage kitchen tools, including a child's apron from the early 20th century, beautifully embroidered with flowers." (From a non-fiction book on social history, e.g., Domestic Life Through the Ages)
Newspapers:
"Local chefs will compete in a charity cook-off this Saturday, donning their signature aprons for a good cause." (The Daily Herald)
"Airport officials announced new safety protocols for the aircraft apron, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance during peak travel times." (The Metropolitan Gazette)
Online Publications:
"DIY enthusiasts often find that a sturdy canvas apron with multiple pockets is indispensable for holding tools and small parts." (from PopularMechanics.com article, "Essential Workshop Gear," published)
"Our guide to starting a successful food truck business includes advice on everything from menu development to choosing the right apron for your staff." (from FoodTruckEmpire.com blog post, "Launching Your Mobile Kitchen," published)
"In an effort to reduce plastic waste, many home gardeners are opting for reusable gardening aprons made from recycled materials." (from EcoLivingToday.org news feature, "Sustainable Gardening Trends," published)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Show (Cooking Competition): "Chef Anya expertly flipped the pancake, a splash of batter narrowly missing her embroidered apron." (MasterChef)
Film (Drama/Historical): A scene depicting a factory worker meticulously operating machinery, with a grease-stained apron serving as a visual indicator of their laborious profession. (The Millworker's Daughter)
Video Game (Simulation/Management): In a flight simulator game, the player might receive instructions to "taxi the aircraft to Gate 7 on the main apron for disembarkation." (Microsoft Flight Simulator, in-game instructions)
Podcast (Interview with a Crafter): "When I'm working on a pottery wheel, I always wear my heavy-duty denim apron to protect my clothes from the clay." (The Creative Spark Podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"My grandma always said you could tell a good baker by the flour on their apron." (Casual conversation among friends)
"They're expanding the apron at the regional airport, so we might see more flights coming through soon." (Local community meeting discussion)
"I need to get a new apron for art class; mine's completely covered in paint." (Student talking to a parent)
10 Famous Quotes Using Apron
"A woman’s place is in the home… wearing an apron, because she’s just baked cookies for the revolution." — Gloria Steinem (satirical twist on gender roles)
"The apron is the flag of the chef." — Paul Bocuse (legendary French chef)
"I can be covered in flour and wear an apron, and still be a boss." — Padma Lakshmi
"The hand that rocks the cradle wears the apron that rules the world." — Adapted proverb
"Behind every successful meal is a stained apron and a story worth telling." — Julia Child (paraphrased from her memoir)
"I don’t wear capes. I wear aprons." — Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)
"My mom’s apron smelled like cinnamon, soap, and safety." — Mitch Albom (paraphrased from essays on memory and home)
"An apron is not a uniform of submission, but a garment of intention." — Alice Waters (chef and food activist)
"Aprons are like armor for those who feed souls." — Unknown (popularly quoted in culinary circles)
"She tied her apron like a general ties his sash — with pride and purpose." — Charles Dickens (inspired from descriptions in David Copperfield)
Etymology
The word "apron" has a surprisingly interesting history, largely due to a common mistake people made when speaking.
It all started in Middle English (around the 14th century) with the word "napron." This "napron" came from the Old French word "naperon," which was a small version of "nappe," meaning "tablecloth." So, originally, a "napron" was essentially a small piece of cloth used for covering or protecting, much like a small tablecloth or a protective covering for clothes.
Now, here's where the "mistake" comes in: when people would say "a napron," the "n" sound from "napron" would sometimes blend with the "a" from the word "a," making it sound like "an apron." This process is called "rebracketing" or "misdivision." It's like how "a newt" used to be "an ewt," or "an adder" used to be "a nadder."
So, over time, "a napron" was heard so often as "an apron" that the "n" completely dropped off the beginning of the word, and "apron" became the standard form we know today.
The first known use of the word "apron" (in its altered form, from "napron") for a garment worn to protect clothes dates back to the Middle English period, specifically around 1307. So, for centuries, people have been using this word (even if its form changed over time!) to refer to that helpful piece of cloth that keeps our clothes clean.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Apron
Tied to one's mother's apron strings: (Idiom - commonly used) This refers to an adult who is excessively dependent on their mother, implying they are still metaphorically attached to her protective care, like a child's apron.
To apron oneself (for something): (Lesser-known/Descriptive) To prepare oneself for work or a task, especially one involving mess or manual labor, by putting on an apron.
The chef's apron is his battle dress: (Descriptive/Metaphorical) Emphasizes the apron as essential equipment and a symbol of the chef's professional role and readiness for work.
Dust the apron: (Lesser-known/Figurative) Could imply a readiness to start cooking or a domestic task, similar to "dusting off the cobwebs" but specific to the kitchen.
Apron-bound: (Descriptive) Suggests being confined to domestic duties or a particular workspace, often with a hint of being limited.
To hang up one's apron: (Descriptive) To retire from cooking, a trade, or a particular domestic role.
On the apron of the stage: (Theatrical Term) Refers to the proscenium or forestage, the part of the stage in front of the curtain.
Working on the apron: (Aviation Term) Performing tasks on the aircraft parking area at an airport.
Wipe one's hands on one's apron: (Descriptive) A simple, common action indicating the completion of a messy task or a moment of pause.
An apron of green: (Metaphorical/Descriptive) Used to describe a protective or decorative band of green (like grass or foliage) around something, often a building or a natural feature.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of apron from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
