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Definition of haberdasher

haberdasher

/ˈhæb.ɚˌdæʃ.ɚ/
hab · er · dash · er
Plural:haberdashers
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haberdasher Lexical Profile

haberdasher Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A retail merchant who sells small articles used in sewing and dressmaking, such as buttons, needles, ribbons, zippers, and thread.

Example

"She visited the local haberdasher to find matching silk ribbon and pearl buttons for the wedding gown."

2

American A retail merchant who sells men's tailored clothing, shirts, hats, and accessories.

Example

"Before entering politics, Harry S. Truman famously operated a men's clothing store as a haberdasher in Kansas City."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for haberdasher

Word Nuance & Usage

The meaning of 'haberdasher' differs sharply between British and American English: in the UK it refers to a dealer in sewing notions and dressmaking supplies, whereas in the US it denotes a retailer of men's clothing and accessories.

• Nearby Words

ha
habanero
habenaria
haberdasher
haberdashery
habit
habitability

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'haberdassher', likely derived from Anglo-Norman 'hapertas', a word of uncertain origin referring to a kind of fabric, pouch, or small wares.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Haberdasher. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/haberdasher
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