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.
"Silk teddies and negligées up front, knickers fanned out on tables in the centre, bras hanging in the back - there are no minutes lost finding your bearings."
— Michelle Lee, The Observer (2003)
"She bought a lace teddy for her honeymoon."
"The shop's lingerie section sells a satin teddy in several colours."
"She packed a cotton teddy and some pyjamas for the weekend away."
name
1
A nickname for Edward or Theodore.
"His friends have called him Teddy since childhood."
How to use teddy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a nickname for Edward/Theodore, or a type of lingerie combining a top and briefs.
Easily confused with
teddy bear
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Word forms
- Plural
- teddies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She bought a lace _____ for her honeymoon.
Etymology
The undergarment may be named after an American designer, Theodore Baer.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for teddy
See all rhymes for teddy →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.
