veils

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   thin pieces of cloth worn, especially by women, to cover the face or head.

   Grammar: This is the plural of 'veil'; use it for more than one, or for the item in general.

   Patterns

   • wear veils
   • bridal veils
   • a veil of something

   In some traditions, women wear veils during religious ceremonies.

   The shop sells white veils for brides.

   She lifted the veils that covered the windows.

2. 2nounpluralfigurative

   things that hide or partly cover something, so it is not clearly seen or understood.

   Grammar: Figurative use; often in phrases like 'a veil of secrecy' or 'draw a veil over'.

   Patterns

   • a veil of secrecy
   • draw a veil over something
   • lift the veil on something

   A veil of secrecy surrounds the negotiations.

   The report lifted the veil on working conditions in the factories.

Word forms

Common combinations

wear a veil

She chose to wear a veil at the wedding.

bridal veil

The bridal veil was made of fine lace.

a veil of secrecy

A veil of secrecy hung over the whole project.

draw a veil over something

We should draw a veil over that embarrassing episode.

Synonyms and how they differ

headscarf

A headscarf covers the hair and neck but usually not the face, while a veil may cover the face.

shawl

A shawl is a loose piece of cloth worn over the shoulders, not specifically to cover the head or face.

Word family

veiled adjective

Covered with a veil, or hidden or indirect, as in 'a veiled threat'.

Commonly confused: veils or vail?

Practice

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