English
habit
Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈhæbɪt/
  • (weak vowel) IPA: /ˈhæbət/
Noun

habit

  1. An action performed on a regular basis.
    Synonyms: wont
    • a man of very shy, retired habits
    It’s become a habit of mine to have a cup of coffee after dinner.
  2. An action performed repeatedly and automatically, usually without awareness.
    By force of habit, he dressed for work even though it was holiday.
  3. A long piece of clothing worn by monks and nuns.
    It’s interesting how Catholic and Buddhist monks both wear habits.
  4. A piece of clothing worn uniformly for a specific activity.
    The new riding habits of the team looked smashing!
  5. (archaic) Outward appearance; attire; dress.
    • c. 1599–1602, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, OCLC 606515358 ↗, [Act I, scene iii]:
      Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy.
    • 1705 (revised 1718), Joseph Addison, Remarks on Several Parts of Italy
      There are, among the statues, several of Venus, in different habits.
  6. (botany, mineralogy) Form of growth or general appearance of a variety or species of plant or crystal.
  7. An addiction.
    He has a 10-cigar habit.
Related terms Translations Translations Translations Translations Translations Verb

habit (habits, present participle habiting; past and past participle habited)

  1. (transitive) To clothe.
  2. (transitive, archaic) To inhabit.
Related terms Translations

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