Cloak vs. Shawl — What's the Difference?

A cloak is a type of loose garment that is worn over indoor clothing and serves the same purpose as an overcoat; it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform. Cloaks have been used by myriad historic societies; many climates favor wearing a full-body garment which is easily removed and does not constrain the wearer with sleeves.

A shawl (from Persian: شال‎ shāl, which may be from Hindi: दुशाला duśālā, ultimately from Sanskrit: शाटी śāṭī) is a simple item of clothing, loosely worn over the shoulders, upper body and arms, and sometimes also over the head. It is usually a rectangular or square piece of cloth, which is often folded to make a triangle, but can also be triangular in shape.

A sleeveless outdoor overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders

A piece of fabric worn by women over the shoulders or head or wrapped round a baby.

A cloakroom

A usually square, rectangular, or triangular piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck, or shoulders.

Dress in a cloak

To cover with or as if with such a piece of cloth.

A long, loose outer garment, usually having a hood and no sleeves.

A square or rectangular piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck, and shoulders, typically by women.

Something that covers or conceals

A fold of wrinkled flesh under the lips and neck of a bloodhound, used in scenting.

To cover or conceal with a cloak or something that acts like a cloak

(transitive) To wrap in a shawl.

A long outer garment worn over the shoulders covering the back; a cape, often with a hood.

A square or oblong cloth of wool, cotton, silk, or other textile or netted fabric, used, especially by women, as a loose covering for the neck and shoulders.

A blanket-like covering, often metaphorical.

To wrap in a shawl.

(figurative)  That which conceals; a disguise or pretext.

Cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

(Internet) A text replacement for an IRC user's hostname or IP address, making the user less identifiable.

(transitive) To cover as with a cloak.

To cover up, hide or conceal.

To render or become invisible via futuristic technology.

A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards, and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape, and is worn both by men and by women.

That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense; a mask; a cover.

To cover with, or as with, a cloak; hence, to hide or conceal.

Anything that covers or conceals

A loose outer garment

Hide under a false appearance;