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noun Common

teddy

TEH-dee

Teddy (noun) means a one-piece women's undergarment combining a top and underwear. Example: “She bought a lace teddy for her honeymoon.”

noun
1
A one-piece women's undergarment combining a top and underwear.
"She bought a lace teddy for her honeymoon."
name
1
A nickname for Edward or Theodore.
"His friends have called him Teddy since childhood."

How to use teddy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a nickname for Edward/Theodore, or a type of lingerie combining a top and briefs.

Easily confused with
teddy bear

Word forms

teddies plural

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She bought a lace _____ for her honeymoon.

Etymology

The undergarment may be named after an American designer, Theodore Baer.

Related words

Rhymes for teddy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “teddy” mean?

The word “teddy” means a one-piece women's undergarment combining a top and underwear. In plain terms, either a nickname for Edward/Theodore, or a type of lingerie combining a top and briefs.

How do you pronounce “teddy”?

“Teddy” is pronounced TEH-dee (/ˈtɛdi/ in IPA).

How do you use “teddy” in a sentence?

Here is “teddy” used in a sentence: “She bought a lace teddy for her honeymoon.”

What part of speech is “teddy”?

Depending on how it is used, “teddy” can be a noun and a name.

Is “teddy” a common word?

“Teddy” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “teddy” have?

“Teddy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a one-piece women's undergarment combining a top and underwear.

What is the difference between a teddy and a bodysuit?

A teddy is a one-piece women's undergarment combining a top with underwear, usually light and decorative. A bodysuit is a close-fitting one-piece garment that can be worn as visible clothing, so a teddy is specifically an item of lingerie.

What is the difference between a teddy and a camisole?

A teddy is a single one-piece garment joining a top and underwear. A camisole is only a top, a short sleeveless upper garment, so it covers the torso but not the lower body the way a teddy does.

Is the name Teddy short for Edward or Theodore?

It can be short for either. Teddy is a traditional nickname for both Edward and Theodore, so the full name depends on the individual.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial