What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boater
Example
He wore a boater hat to the garden party. [boater: noun]
Example
The man looked dapper in his boater, complementing his suit. [boater: adjective]
straw hat
Example
She wore a straw hat to shield her face from the sun. [straw hat: noun]
Example
In the summer, I like to wear a straw hat to keep cool. [straw hat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Straw hat is more commonly used than boater in everyday language. Straw hat is a versatile term that covers a wider range of styles and designs, while boater is less common and has a more specific association with boating or formal occasions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boater and straw hat?
While boater is typically associated with a more formal tone, straw hat is seen as more casual and relaxed, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.