Boilersuit: meaning, definitions and examples

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boilersuit

 

[ˈbɔɪlərsuːt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

protective clothing

A boilersuit is a one-piece garment that covers and protects the body while working, typically made of strong material such as cotton or polyester. It is commonly used in industries like construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair.

Synonyms

coverall, jumpsuit, overall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
boilersuit

Typically used in British English, 'boilersuit' refers to a one-piece garment worn to protect the user's clothing and body from dirt, oil, and other substances, especially in industrial or maintenance work.

  • The mechanic wore a boilersuit to keep his clothes clean while working on the car.
  • Construction workers often have to wear boilersuits on the job site.
coverall

Often used in American English, 'coverall' is similar to 'boilersuit' and used primarily in industries for full-body protection. It is common in manufacturing, construction, and other labor-intensive jobs.

  • The factory worker's coverall was covered in grease by the end of the shift.
  • For safety reasons, everyone in the chemical plant must wear coveralls.
overall

Used both in American and British English, 'overall' usually refers to a garment with a bib front and shoulder straps, often worn over regular clothing in farming, gardening, or light manual labor. It can also refer to protective clothing similar to coveralls.

  • The farmer wore overalls to protect his clothes while working in the fields.
  • When painting the house, she put on her overalls to avoid getting paint on her clothes.
jumpsuit

Typically more fashionable than 'boilersuit' or 'coverall,' 'jumpsuit' refers to a one-piece garment that is often worn casually or for style. It can also be used in certain professional contexts like aviation or skydiving.

  • She looked stunning in her red jumpsuit at the party.
  • Pilots often wear jumpsuits for ease of movement and comfort.

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic wore a boilersuit to protect himself from grease and oil.
  • The workers in the chemical plant all wore boilersuits for safety.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'boilersuit' comes from 'boiler' which refers to a heating system, initially meant for workers who dealt with steam boilers.
  • It was first commonly used in the mid-20th century, as safety became a priority in industrial settings and construction.

Historical Context

  • Workers in the early 1900s wore separate pieces of clothing like overalls, but the need for convenience led to the creation of the boilersuit.
  • They became popular during World War II among factory workers and mechanics because of their practicality and ease of movement.

Pop Culture

  • Boilersuits have been seen in movies and music videos, often symbolizing rebellion or a gritty, industrial aesthetic.
  • Famous musicians like David Bowie and bands like The Prodigy have embraced the boilersuit as part of their iconic looks.

Fashion

  • In recent years, the boilersuit has made a comeback in fashion shows and streetwear, celebrating utility and simplicity.
  • Designers have been experimenting with colors and styles, transforming the traditional boilersuit into a couture statement.

Occupational Safety

  • In many industries, wearing a boilersuit is mandatory to protect workers from hazardous materials and conditions.
  • They are typically made from durable materials that resist tearing and are often flame- or chemical-resistant depending on the job.

Translations

Translations of the word "boilersuit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 macacão de trabalho

🇮🇳 बॉयलर सूट

🇩🇪 Overall

🇮🇩 baju kerja

🇺🇦 робочий комбінезон

🇵🇱 kombinezon roboczy

🇯🇵 作業服 (さぎょうふく)

🇫🇷 combinaison de travail

🇪🇸 mono de trabajo

🇹🇷 iş tulumu

🇰🇷 작업복

🇸🇦 بذلة عمل

🇨🇿 pracovní kombinéza

🇸🇰 pracovný overal

🇨🇳 工作服 (gōngzuò fú)

🇸🇮 delovni kombinezon

🇮🇸 vinnugalli

🇰🇿 жұмыс комбинезоны

🇬🇪 სამუშაო კომბინეზონი

🇦🇿 iş kombinezonu

🇲🇽 overol de trabajo