hijab

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hijab" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the headscarf worn by some Muslim women as a sign of modesty and religious observance. Example: "She wore a beautiful hijab that complemented her outfit perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had always worn my headscarf in a wrap style, but after that we all started to wear them in a traditional hijab way.

The Guardian

Few women wore the hijab, let alone the burqa or niqab.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am in no way against a woman covering fully, as I myself practice a form of hijab, nor am I against happy marriages with men who aim to serve and protect.

The Guardian - Opinion

For weeks state TV has drawn attention to the hijab in televised debates, and pro-hijab posters likening badly veiled women to unwrapped candy bars preyed on by flies made the rounds on social networks.

The Guardian

He's watched the seasonal process unfold every year: the ramp-up in promotional hijab campaigns and pointed televised debates as the weather starts to warm and wardrobe begins to malfunction.

The Guardian

The product may be number one for reducing snoring, but the company's newest form of advertising has blown up on the internet in a not-so-number-one way The billboard features what appears to be a US soldier and a Muslim woman covered in a niqab (a form of hijab that covers everything besides the eyes), who are happily married.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, who has previously called for a ban on the hijab in schools, has asked Asio and the federal police to assess the security risks of people wearing full facial coverings coming into the public area of parliament house.

The Guardian

But if you are the foreign minister going to a totalitarian state, not wearing a hat, not wearing a hijab, it is unlikely to get the cooperation that we now need from Iran".

The Guardian

Many speakers and members of the audience spoke of the everyday difficulty of living as a Muslim, particularly for women who wore the hijab.

The Guardian

"Before the revolution, many women in our society did not wear the hijab - but were they not virtuous humans?" On the campaign trail, Rouhani vowed to rein in the morality police, an organ the president does not directly control.

The Guardian

Even if the mandatory hijab is removed one day she says, "you still won't be able to wear shorts near Rah-Ahan Square" in south Tehran.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "hijab", be specific about the style or type of head covering if relevant (e.g. niqab, burqa, chador) to ensure accurate representation.

Common error

Avoid using "hijab" as a catch-all term for all types of Muslim women's veiling. Be aware that the "hijab" specifically refers to a headscarf, and not other forms of veiling like the niqab or burqa.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hijab" is as a noun. It denotes a specific type of head covering worn by Muslim women. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, predominantly in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hijab" is a noun referring to a headscarf worn by Muslim women, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news and media, carrying a neutral tone. When writing about "hijab", it's important to be accurate about the different styles and types of veiling. Alternatives include "Muslim headscarf" and "Islamic veil". While the term is common, understanding its specific meaning and context is crucial for respectful and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Muslim headscarf

Refers specifically to the head covering worn by Muslim women.

Islamic veil

Highlights the religious aspect of the covering.

head covering for Muslim women

A descriptive phrase specifying the type of garment and the wearer.

modest headwear

Focuses on the modesty aspect of the head covering.

traditional Muslim attire

Broadly refers to traditional clothing worn by Muslims, including head coverings.

religious head covering

Emphasizes the religious significance of the head covering.

veil

A general term for a covering, but applicable depending on the style.

niqab

A specific type of veil that covers the face, with a slit for the eyes.

burqa

A full-body covering, including the face.

chador

A full-length cloak worn by some Muslim women, particularly in Iran.

FAQs

How is the term "hijab" typically used in a sentence?

The term "hijab" is often used to describe the headscarf worn by Muslim women. For example: "She wears a "hijab" as a sign of modesty".

What are some alternative terms for "hijab"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "Muslim headscarf", "Islamic veil", or "head covering for Muslim women".

Is it correct to use "hijab" to refer to all types of Muslim veils?

No, "hijab" specifically refers to a headscarf. Terms like "niqab" and "burqa" describe different types of veils that cover more of the face and body.

What's the difference between "hijab" and "abaya"?

A "hijab" is a head covering, while an "abaya" is a long, flowing robe-like garment. Both are worn by some Muslim women, but they are distinct items of clothing.