a-b-a-y-a
ABAYA is a loose-fitting, full-length robe worn by women in many Islamic cultures, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. This modest garment represents both tradition and modern fashion.
10
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
ABAYA is a loose-fitting, full-length outer garment worn by women in many parts of the Islamic world, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. Traditionally black, the abaya covers the entire body except the face, hands, and feet. It's worn over regular clothing when in public or in the presence of men who are not immediate family members. The abaya serves multiple purposes: religious modesty, cultural identity, and practical protection from harsh desert climates. While often associated with conservative dress codes, modern abayas have evolved into fashion statements, featuring intricate embroidery, colorful designs, and luxury fabrics. Designer abayas can cost thousands of dollars and are showcased at fashion weeks in Dubai and Paris.Key characteristics of the abaya:
The word abaya comes from Arabic عباءة (ʿabāʾah), which derives from the root ع-ب-ي (ʿ-b-y). The term originally meant "cloak" or "mantle" and shares linguistic roots with the Hebrew word "aba," meaning father—possibly because such cloaks were traditionally worn by elder patriarchs. The garment's history predates Islam, with similar cloaks worn throughout the Middle East for millennia. Bedouin tribes used loose robes for protection against sandstorms and scorching sun. The modern abaya evolved from these practical desert garments, becoming formalized as Islamic modest dress during the 20th century. The word entered English through colonial and trade contacts with the Arab world, appearing in English texts from the 19th century. As global fashion embraced multicultural influences, "abaya" became widely recognized, entering major English dictionaries and, eventually, Scrabble word lists as cultural awareness expanded.
•The global abaya market is worth over $12 billion annually
•Saudi Arabia lifted the requirement for black abayas in 2018
•Dolce & Gabbana launched a luxury abaya collection in 2016
•ABAYA has three A's—perfect for using up common vowels in Scrabble
"She chose an embroidered abaya for the wedding celebration."
"The designer's modern take on the traditional abaya featured bold colors."
"Playing ABAYA used up three of my A tiles perfectly."
Words with similar meaning
Cloak
Outer garment
Robe
Long garment
Mantle
Loose covering
Overgarment
Outer clothing
Similar modest clothing
Hijab
Head covering
Burqa
Full body veil
Niqab
Face veil
Chador
Iranian cloak
Plural Form
abayas
Multiple garments
Possessive Form
abaya's
The abaya's fabric
Arabic Plural
abayat
عبايات (Arabic form)
Style Variations
High-fashion garment
Decorated version
Contemporary style
Shorter words within ABAYA:
The abaya transcends mere clothing—it's a complex symbol of identity, faith, and cultural heritage. For many women, wearing an abaya is a personal choice expressing religious devotion, cultural pride, or family tradition. In Gulf countries, the abaya has evolved from mandatory dress to a canvas for personal expression. Young designers blend traditional modesty with contemporary aesthetics, creating abayas that respect cultural values while embracing individual style.
The 21st century witnessed an abaya fashion revolution. Instagram influencers showcase designer abayas to millions of followers. Fashion weeks in Dubai and Riyadh feature abaya collections alongside Western haute couture. Luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera have created abaya lines. This fusion of modesty and high fashion has created a multi-billion dollar industry, proving that religious dress codes and fashion innovation aren't mutually exclusive.
While black remains traditional, modern abayas feature pastels, jewel tones, and prints. Fabrics range from practical polyester to luxurious silk and cashmere. Embellishments include Swarovski crystals, hand embroidery, and laser-cut patterns. Sport abayas allow athletic activity. Reversible abayas offer two looks in one. The modern abaya industry demonstrates how traditional garments can adapt to contemporary lifestyles while maintaining their essential purpose of modest coverage.
Abaya vs. Hijab
Full robe vs. head covering
Abaya vs. Burqa
Open face vs. covered face
Regional variations
Styles differ by country
Other valuable cultural and religious words in Scrabble
Total base points: 10 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 2
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like ABAYA