burka
burka Lexical Profile
burka Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A long, loose-fitting outer garment worn by some Muslim women in public, particularly in Afghanistan and parts of South Asia, that covers the entire body from head to feet and features a woven mesh grille over the eyes.
"The museum exhibition on traditional South and Central Asian textiles included an intricately embroidered blue burka."
A heavy, sleeveless cape or cloak made of felted wool or goat's hair, traditionally worn by shepherds and horsemen in the Caucasus region for protection against severe weather.
"The mountain shepherd wrapped his thick felt burka tightly around his shoulders to keep out the freezing wind."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with the niqab (which leaves a slit for the eyes) and the hijab (a headscarf that leaves the face uncovered); a burka covers the entire body and face with a mesh screen over the eyes.
• Rhymes for burka
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 19th century via Urdu and Persian from Arabic burqu‘, meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' The homographic sense referring to a Caucasian felt cloak derives from Russian burka, likely of Turkic or Persian origin.