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gorro means cap — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 26, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

gorro

noun • /[GO-rro]/

cap

Example:

El cirujano lleva gorro.

The surgeon wears a cap.

🧠 What does gorro mean?

In a medical context, 'gorro' refers to a surgical cap or scrub cap, a disposable or reusable head covering worn by healthcare professionals to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination during medical procedures, surgeries, or in sterile environments. It is designed to cover the hair completely. Outside of this specific context, 'gorro' is a general term for a hat, cap, or beanie.

📚 Extra examples

  • El cirujano se puso un gorro antes de entrar al quirófano.
    The surgeon put on a cap before entering the operating room.
  • Es obligatorio usar gorro en las áreas estériles del hospital.
    It is mandatory to wear a cap in the sterile areas of the hospital.
  • Las enfermeras cambian su gorro después de cada procedimiento.
    The nurses change their caps after each procedure.
  • El bebé llevaba un gorro de lana para protegerse del frío.
    The baby wore a woolen hat to protect itself from the cold.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'gorro' can refer to a wide variety of headwear, from warm winter hats to the sterile caps used in surgery. Its versatility makes it a useful word to know in many contexts.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "gorro"

Synonyms: bonete, cofia, toca, birrete

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'surgical cap' in Spanish?
The most common term for 'surgical cap' in Spanish is 'gorro quirúrgico.' However, in many medical settings, especially when referring to the general head covering for hygiene, 'gorro' is also used and understood.
How do you pronounce 'gorro' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'gorro' is roughly 'GOR-ro.' The 'g' is a hard 'g' sound, similar to the 'g' in 'go.' The double 'rr' is a trilled 'r' sound, which is distinct from a single 'r' in Spanish. If the trilled 'r' is difficult, aim for a strong 'r' sound, like the 'r' in 'red' but with more vibration.
How do you use 'gorro' in a sentence?
'Gorro' is a noun and is used similarly to how 'cap' or 'hat' is used in English. For example, 'Necesito un gorro para el sol' (I need a cap for the sun) or 'El médico llevaba un gorro estéril' (The doctor was wearing a sterile cap).
What is the English translation of 'gorro'?
The most direct English translation of 'gorro' is 'cap' or 'hat.' In a medical context, it specifically refers to a 'surgical cap' or 'scrub cap.' It can also refer to a 'beanie' or 'winter hat' in informal contexts.
Does 'gorro' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'gorro' is a masculine noun. In the plural form, it becomes 'gorros.' For example, 'un gorro' (a cap), 'dos gorros' (two caps).
Is 'gorro' common in everyday Spanish?
'Gorro' is very common in everyday Spanish when referring to any type of headwear that fits closely to the head, such as a beanie, a knit cap, or a baseball cap. Its use as a surgical cap is specific to medical environments.
Does 'gorro' have slang or double meanings?
While 'gorro' itself does not have widely recognized slang or double meanings, the word 'gorra' (a related word often used for baseball caps) can sometimes be used informally to refer to something obtained for free ('de gorra'). However, 'gorro' primarily refers to the headwear itself.
Is 'gorro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The general meaning of 'gorro' as a cap or hat is consistent across Spain and Latin America. In Spain, 'gorra' is very commonly used for a baseball cap. 'Gorro' might lean more towards knit caps or beanies, but regional variations exist. In a medical context, 'gorro' is understood universally for surgical caps.

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