underwear
UHN-duh-weh-uh
Underwear (noun) means clothing worn directly against the skin, beneath outer clothes. Example: “Cotton underwear is usually comfortable in hot weather.”
noun
1
Clothing worn directly against the skin, beneath outer clothes.
"Cotton underwear is usually comfortable in hot weather."
"The shop on the high street sells socks and underwear for the whole family."
"Don't scratch and bite, my little bear, you'll soon need bigger underwear."
— Banjo-Kazooie, Rareware (1998)
"She packed extra underwear for the week-long trip."
"As a couple of soldiers sing a dirty song, he loses sight of the edge of the stage and falls off in the middle of his dance like a seasoned slapstick artist, his white legs in the air and his filthy underwear visible to all."
— Stefan Hertmans, War and Turpentine (2016)
How to use underwear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClothes worn under your regular clothes, closest to the skin.
Common pairings
a pair of underwear
thermal underwear
change your underwear
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Word forms
- Plural
- underwears
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Can you complete this real example?
Cotton _____ is usually comfortable in hot weather.
Etymology
From under- plus -wear.
Synonyms
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intimates
drawers
briefs
underpants
shreddies
underclothes
undergarment
undies
lingerie
skivvies
smalls
smallclothes
Related words
Rhymes for underwear
See all rhymes for underwear →Frequently asked questions
What does “underwear” mean?
The word “underwear” means clothing worn directly against the skin, beneath outer clothes. In plain terms, clothes worn under your regular clothes, closest to the skin.
How do you pronounce “underwear”?
“Underwear” is pronounced UHN-duh-weh-uh (/ˈʌndɚˌwɛɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “underwear” in a sentence?
Here is “underwear” used in a sentence: “She packed extra underwear for the week-long trip.”
What is another word for “underwear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “underwear” include shreddies, underclothes, undergarment, undies, lingerie and skivvies.
What part of speech is “underwear”?
“Underwear” is a noun.
Is “underwear” a common word?
“Underwear” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'underwear' and 'lingerie'?
'Underwear' is the general term for any clothing worn next to the skin beneath outer clothes. 'Lingerie' refers specifically to women's underwear that is fine, decorative, or designed to look attractive. All lingerie is underwear, but everyday underwear is not usually called lingerie.
Is 'underwear' singular or plural?
'Underwear' is an uncountable (mass) noun, so it takes a singular verb, as in 'the underwear is clean,' and it has no plural form 'underwears.' To count items you say 'a pair of underwear' or name specific garments. It behaves like other clothing words such as 'clothing.'
What is the difference between 'underwear' and 'undergarment'?
'Underwear' is a collective, everyday term for what you wear under your outer clothes. An 'undergarment' is a single such item and sounds more formal or technical. You might own several undergarments, all of which together are your underwear.
Is 'underwear' the same in British and American English?
'Underwear' is understood as the general term in both British and American English. Informal alternatives differ by region: British speakers may say 'pants' or 'undies,' whereas 'pants' means trousers in American English. To avoid confusion, 'underwear' is the safest word in either variety.
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