adj
plainclothes
Plainclothes (adj) means wearing ordinary civilian clothing rather than a uniform, especially of police officers. Example: “Two plainclothes detectives watched the building from across the street.”
adj
1
Wearing ordinary civilian clothing rather than a uniform, especially of police officers.
"Two plainclothes detectives watched the building from across the street."
How to use plainclothes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes police or security staff dressed as ordinary civilians rather than in uniform, usually to avoid being noticed.
Common pairings
plainclothes officer
plainclothes detective
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Two _____ detectives watched the building from across the street.
Rhymes for plainclothes
See all rhymes for plainclothes →Frequently asked questions
What does “plainclothes” mean?
The word “plainclothes” means wearing ordinary civilian clothing rather than a uniform, especially of police officers. In plain terms, describes police or security staff dressed as ordinary civilians rather than in uniform, usually to avoid being noticed.
How do you use “plainclothes” in a sentence?
Here is “plainclothes” used in a sentence: “Two plainclothes detectives watched the building from across the street.”
What part of speech is “plainclothes”?
“Plainclothes” is an adjective.
What is the meaning of plainclothes?
"plainclothes" (adj) means wearing ordinary civilian clothing rather than a uniform, especially of police officers.
