sweater
5 synonyms for sweater, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A knitted garment worn over the upper body for warmth, usually pulled over the head.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
pullover
perspirer
How to use sweater
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wool sweater
knitted sweater
wear a sweater
Etymology
From Middle English swētere, built from "sweat" plus the "-er" ending — originally clothing worn to induce sweating during exercise.
Full origin of sweater →Frequently asked questions
What does “sweater” mean?
The word “sweater” means a knitted garment worn over the upper body for warmth, usually pulled over the head.
How do you pronounce “sweater”?
“Sweater” is pronounced SWEH-tuh (/ˈswɛtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sweater” in a sentence?
Here is “sweater” used in a sentence: “She wore a thick wool sweater on the chilly morning walk.”
What part of speech is “sweater”?
“Sweater” is a noun.
Where does the word “sweater” come from?
The word “sweater” comes from Middle English. From Middle English swētere, built from "sweat" plus the "-er" ending — originally clothing worn to induce sweating during exercise.
Is “sweater” a common word?
“Sweater” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a sweater and a jumper?
A sweater and a jumper refer to the same type of knitted garment worn over the upper body for warmth; 'sweater' is the term more common in American English, while 'jumper' is preferred in British English. Both are typically pulled on over the head.
What is the difference between a sweater and a cardigan?
A sweater is usually pulled over the head with no front opening, while a cardigan opens down the front, typically with buttons or a zip. Both are knitted garments worn for warmth over the upper body.
What is the difference between a sweater and a hoodie?
A sweater is a knitted garment pulled over the head, while a hoodie is typically made from a softer, often unknitted fabric and features a hood, giving it a more casual, sporty character. Sweaters tend to read as slightly more formal than hoodies.
