train
TRAYN
/treɪn/
The long rear section of a gown or dress that trails along the floor behind the wearer.
Associated with regal, bridal, or high formal fashion that sweeps gracefully along the ground.
The story behind the word. From the Old French verb 'traïner', meaning to drag behind. Just as a locomotive train pulls railroad cars behind it, a dress train is a length of luxurious fabric pulled along the ground behind a formal dress.
Word relationships
- trail: 'Trail' is a general term for dragging behind, whereas 'train' is the precise fashion noun for extended trailing dress fabric.
- hem: A standard 'hem' stays suspended above the ground level.
Commonly confused with
- veil: A 'veil' hangs from the head or hair, while a 'train' extends from the dress waist or skirt down to the floor.
Word family
- trailing (adjective): Dragging behind on the floor
Collocations
- sweeping train
- cathedral train
- long train
- drag a train
Example sentences
- "The bride's lace gown featured a cathedral train that extended six feet behind her." Bridal Fashion
- "Attendants helped lift the heavy velvet train as she climbed the grand stairs." Galas
Memory hook
The dress TRAIN moves behind the wearer like train cars on tracks. Trails behind.
When not to use
Do not use for standard skirt hems that stay elevated off the floor.
Fun facts
- Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding gown featured a record-breaking 25-foot cathedral train.
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