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Singlet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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singlet

[ˈsɪŋɡlɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

A singlet is a type of sleeveless shirt worn in sports such as wrestling or track and field.

Synonyms

jersey, tank top, vest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
singlet

Typically used in Australia and New Zealand to refer to a sleeveless athletic shirt worn by men, often for sports or as casual wear.

  • He wore a bright blue singlet to the beach.
  • The athlete donned his singlet for the race.
jersey

Commonly refers to a knitted garment, often long-sleeved, used in sports. It could also refer to a sports team shirt worn by both athletes and fans.

  • She proudly wore her favorite player's jersey to the game.
  • The soccer team received new jerseys this season.
tank top

A sleeveless shirt usually worn in hot weather. It's casual wear for both men and women.

  • She chose a comfortable tank top to stay cool in the summer heat.
  • He paired his shorts with a basic white tank top.
vest

Refers to a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, often part of formal or business attire. In British English, it can also mean an undershirt.

  • He completed his suit with a matching vest.
  • In colder months, she wears a thermal vest under her clothes.

Examples of usage

  • The wrestler put on his singlet before the match.
  • She wore a singlet for her track competition.
  • The singlet is a common attire for wrestlers.
  • Many athletes prefer wearing singlets during competitions.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

In some countries, a singlet is a casual sleeveless undershirt worn under clothing.

Synonyms

tank top, undershirt, vest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
singlet

In American English, it can refer to any sleeveless shirt but is less commonly used compared to 'tank top'.

  • He practiced wrestling in a singlet.
  • During the heatwave, he found a singlet to be the most comfortable.
undershirt

Refers to a garment worn underneath a shirt or blouse, often for added warmth or to absorb sweat.

  • He put on an undershirt before wearing his dress shirt.
  • She always wears an undershirt in winter for extra warmth.
tank top

Widely used in American and British English to refer to a sleeveless shirt that can be worn casually or for sports activities.

  • She decided to wear a tank top because it was a hot summer day.
  • He chose a tank top for his gym workout.
vest

In American English, it refers to a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and often as part of formal wear. In British English, it's known as a waistcoat.

  • He wore a vest over his dress shirt for the wedding.
  • A three-piece suit includes a jacket, pants, and a vest.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a singlet under his shirt to stay warm.
  • The singlet helped absorb sweat during the hot weather.
  • During summer, many people opt for wearing singlets.
  • A plain white singlet is a basic wardrobe staple.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Initially, singlets were used mainly as undergarments before becoming popular as active wear.
  • They have been widely adopted in sports, with athletes often wearing them during competitions for comfort and freedom of movement.
  • Design variations now include tank tops and muscle tees, which are fashion-forward adaptations of the original singlet.

Sports

  • In wrestling, the term 'singlet' refers specifically to the tight-fitting uniform worn by competitors.
  • Different colors of singlets are often used to differentiate competitors in wrestling matches.
  • The snug fit of a wrestling singlet is designed to prevent opponents from grabbing excess fabric.

Cultural References

  • Singlets have been popularized in various media, with athletes frequently depicted wearing them in films and television shows.
  • In Australian and New Zealand cultures, a singlet is a common casual garment, often called a 'wife beater' due to its association with working-class men.

Fun Facts

  • Some people also wear singlets as everyday clothing in summer due to their cool, breathable nature.
  • The singlet has made its way into fashion trends, with designer variations now available that mix athletic and casual styles.

Origin of 'singlet'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'singlet' comes from 'single', indicating it's a single piece of clothing.
  • Originally, the word was first used in the 15th century to refer to various types of undergarments.
  • The modern usage of 'singlet' to describe sleeveless tops became popular in the 19th century.

The term 'singlet' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the idea of a single piece of clothing. Originally used in sports, the singlet has evolved to become a versatile garment worn for various purposes, from athletics to casual wear.

See also: singleness, singles, singleton.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,239, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.