: a loose white outer ecclesiastical vestment usually of knee length with large open sleeves
: having a diagonally overlapping neckline or closing
a surplice collar
surplice sweaters
Examples of surplice in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas McGuane,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2026
Off went the jackets and backpacks, on came burgundy cassocks and white surplices.
—
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
The Splitsville actress wore a bodysuit underneath the transparent dress that featured a surplice neckline and pleated hem.
—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
If your summer style goal is to look and feel comfy and put-together, this Amazon Essentials surplice dress checks all the boxes.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
1 July 2025
The Fifty Shades of Grey actress wore a bodysuit underneath the transparent dress, with a surplice neckline and pleated hem.
—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
6 June 2025
The choristers stand in their stalls wearing white surplices over red cassocks and white ruffs.
—
Peter Ross,
Smithsonian Magazine,
5 Apr. 2023
Flattering details like its surplice neckline, subtle front slit, and fluttery sleeves and hemline elevate its simple style, meaning it can be worn for casual day trips and dressed up for a dinner show.
—
Emily Belfiore,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2022
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Noun
Father Oliver wore a retro surplice and added sly details about the previous wedding to his homily.
—
Thomas McGuane,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2026
Off went the jackets and backpacks, on came burgundy cassocks and white surplices.
—
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
The Splitsville actress wore a bodysuit underneath the transparent dress that featured a surplice neckline and pleated hem.
—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
If your summer style goal is to look and feel comfy and put-together, this Amazon Essentials surplice dress checks all the boxes.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
1 July 2025
The Fifty Shades of Grey actress wore a bodysuit underneath the transparent dress, with a surplice neckline and pleated hem.
—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
6 June 2025
The choristers stand in their stalls wearing white surplices over red cassocks and white ruffs.
—
Peter Ross,
Smithsonian Magazine,
5 Apr. 2023
Flattering details like its surplice neckline, subtle front slit, and fluttery sleeves and hemline elevate its simple style, meaning it can be worn for casual day trips and dressed up for a dinner show.
—
Emily Belfiore,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Surplice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surplice. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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