sarong
UK[səˈrɒŋ]US[səˈrɑːŋ]
n
a long strip of cloth wrapped around the body and tucked at the waist or under the arms, worn as a skirt or dress, especially in malaysia and indonesia.
Etymology
the word 'sarong' entered english in the 19th century from malay, where 'sarung' or 'sarong' simply means 'sheath' or 'covering'. this malay term itself is believed to be derived from a proto-austronesian root. the garment's journey into the english lexicon followed european colonial and trade contact with southeast asia. the logic of the word is direct and descriptive, moving from the general concept of a sheath or casing in malay to specifically denote the iconic wrapped garment in english.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted directly from malay. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes within the english language system.
Examples
she bought a beautifully patterned sarong at the market in bali.
the sarong is a versatile garment, often used as a beach cover-up.
traditional ceremonies often require wearing a specific style of sarong.