Petticoat: meaning, definitions and examples

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petticoat

[ˈpɛtɪˌkoʊt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

undergarment

A petticoat is an undergarment worn under a skirt or dress, typically to give it fullness or shape.

Synonyms

underskirt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
petticoat	Typically used to describe a decorative undergarment worn under a skirt or dress to add volume or as a fashion statement. She wore a petticoat under her dress to make it look more elegant. The historical costume included a lace petticoat.
underskirt	A general term for any skirt worn underneath another skirt, often providing a practical function such as additional warmth or modesty, rather than for decoration. In winter, she preferred to wear an underskirt for extra warmth. The traditional dress required an underskirt to maintain its shape.

Word

Description / Examples

petticoat

Typically used to describe a decorative undergarment worn under a skirt or dress to add volume or as a fashion statement.

She wore a petticoat under her dress to make it look more elegant.
The historical costume included a lace petticoat.

underskirt

A general term for any skirt worn underneath another skirt, often providing a practical function such as additional warmth or modesty, rather than for decoration.

In winter, she preferred to wear an underskirt for extra warmth.
The traditional dress required an underskirt to maintain its shape.

Examples of usage

She wore a white petticoat under her wedding gown.
The Victorian era saw the use of elaborate petticoats to achieve the desired silhouette.
Her petticoat rustled as she walked.
I need to buy a new petticoat for my costume.
The petticoat added volume to her ball gown.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

In historical contexts, a petticoat could also refer to a separate garment worn under a skirt or dress as an outer layer.

Synonyms

underskirt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
petticoat	Commonly used in historical or literary contexts referring to a woman's undergarment worn to give volume to skirts. It may also appear in conversations about vintage fashion. In the classic novel, the heroine wore a petticoat under her gown. The museum displayed a beautifully embroidered petticoat from the Victorian era.
underskirt	Typically used in modern fashion contexts, especially to describe an undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt to add fullness or for modesty. This term is straightforward and has no historical connotations. She added an underskirt to give her wedding dress more volume. The costume designer recommended an underskirt to enhance the dress's silhouette.

Word

Description / Examples

petticoat

Commonly used in historical or literary contexts referring to a woman's undergarment worn to give volume to skirts. It may also appear in conversations about vintage fashion.

In the classic novel, the heroine wore a petticoat under her gown.
The museum displayed a beautifully embroidered petticoat from the Victorian era.

underskirt

Typically used in modern fashion contexts, especially to describe an undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt to add fullness or for modesty. This term is straightforward and has no historical connotations.

She added an underskirt to give her wedding dress more volume.
The costume designer recommended an underskirt to enhance the dress's silhouette.

Examples of usage

The petticoat she wore was made of silk and had intricate lace trimmings.
During the Renaissance period, petticoats were often richly embroidered.
Her petticoat peeked out from under her skirt.
The layers of petticoats added to the extravagance of her outfit.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from Middle English, where 'petit' means small and 'coat' refers to a garment.
Originally worn in the 16th century, petticoats were essential for women’s fashion to create volume in dresses.

Fashion Trends

In Victorian times, petticoats became more elaborate, often featuring layers of lace and ruffles to enhance the silhouette.
During the 1950s, petticoats were popularized by rock 'n' roll culture, often worn under swing dresses for a fuller look.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, petticoats symbolize femininity and modesty, playing an important role in traditional attire.
The phrase 'petticoat government' refers to a time when women’s influence was seen as strong, especially in domestic affairs.

Literature

Famous novels and stories often depict characters wearing petticoats, emphasizing their social status and femininity.
In classic literature, petticoats can symbolize innocence or the constraints of societal expectations on women.

Modern Use

Today, petticoats have been reimagined in fashion, sometimes worn as statement pieces or incorporated into everyday outfits.
Contemporary designers often use petticoat-like structures to create avant-garde and structured silhouettes in high fashion.

Translations

Translations of the word "petticoat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anágua

🇮🇳 पेटीकोट

🇩🇪 Unterrock

🇮🇩 rok dalam

🇺🇦 спідниця

🇵🇱 halka

🇯🇵 ペチコート

🇫🇷 jupon

🇪🇸 enagua

🇹🇷 kombinezon

🇰🇷 페티코트

🇸🇦 تنورة داخلية

🇨🇿 spodnička

🇸🇰 spodnička

🇨🇳 衬裙

🇸🇮 poden krilo

🇮🇸 undirpilsi

🇰🇿 қапсырма

🇬🇪 პეტიკოსი

🇦🇿 alt paltar

🇲🇽 enagua

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,373, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22370 wicket
22371 tolling
22372 communicator
22373 petticoat
22374 underdevelopment
22375 leanings
22376 taunt
...