petticoat
1 synonym for petticoat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A light underskirt worn beneath a dress or skirt to add fullness, warmth, or shape.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use petticoat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a lace petticoat
layers of petticoats
petticoat and gown
Mostly used today in historical, costume, or fashion contexts rather than modern everyday dress.
Etymology
From Middle English pety cote, literally a "small/petty coat" — originally a short undergarment, later the flouncy underskirt sense took over.
Full origin of petticoat →Frequently asked questions
What does “petticoat” mean?
The word “petticoat” means a light underskirt worn beneath a dress or skirt to add fullness, warmth, or shape. In plain terms, an underskirt worn to puff out or add shape to the skirt above it.
How do you pronounce “petticoat”?
“Petticoat” is pronounced PEHT-ih-koht (/ˈpɛt.ɪ.koʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “petticoat” in a sentence?
Here is “petticoat” used in a sentence: “The bride's gown flared out over layers of stiff petticoats.”
What is another word for “petticoat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “petticoat” include underskirt.
What part of speech is “petticoat”?
Depending on how it is used, “petticoat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “petticoat” come from?
The word “petticoat” comes from Middle English. From Middle English pety cote, literally a "small/petty coat" — originally a short undergarment, later the flouncy underskirt sense took over.
How many meanings does “petticoat” have?
“Petticoat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light underskirt worn beneath a dress or skirt to add fullness, warmth, or shape.
