Swimsuit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swimsuit

[หˆswษชm.swiหt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

clothing, attire

A swimsuit is a garment designed for a person to wear while swimming. It is typically made from a stretchy material that is water-resistant or quick-drying. Swimsuits can vary in style, covering different parts of the body, and are often designed to be form-fitting for ease of movement in water. They are commonly worn at beaches, pools, and in other water-related activities.

Synonyms

bathing suit, bikini, swimwear, trunks.

Examples of usage

  • She bought a new swimsuit for her vacation.
  • He always wears a swimsuit when surfing.
  • The swimming competition requires all athletes to wear a swimsuit.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Fashion History

  • The first modern swimsuits for women appeared in the 1800s, typically designed to be modest and covered most of the body.
  • By the 1920s, swimsuits became more form-fitting and popularized by beach culture, leading to the bikini's introduction in 1946.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, swimsuits represent leisure and relaxation, often associated with vacations and summer fun.
  • Swimsuit competitions in beauty pageants showcase swimsuits as not just functional but also as fashionable statements.
  • Swimwear styles often reflect societal changes in body image and acceptance over the decades.

Technology

  • Modern materials like nylon and spandex used in swimsuits help improve performance by reducing drag in the water for athletes.
  • Some swimsuits are now designed with integrated sun protection to help prevent skin damage while swimming outdoors.

Sports

  • Competitive swimmers often wear specially designed swimsuits that streamline their body and reduce water resistance.
  • The 'fast skin' technology used in championship swimsuits mimics the skin of sharks to enhance speed in the water.

Origin of 'swimsuit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swimsuit' combines 'swim,' from Old English, meaning to move through water, and 'suit,' which means a set of clothes.
  • In the early 19th century, swimsuits were often made from heavy fabrics like wool, which made swimming difficult.

The word 'swimsuit' is derived from the combination of 'swim' and 'suit'. The term 'swim' originates from the Old English word 'swiM', which has Germanic roots, reflecting the action of moving through water. The word 'suit' comes from the Latin 'suitare', meaning 'to follow', which evolved through Old French into Middle English as โ€˜suitโ€™. The earliest swimsuits were loose-fitting garments made from coarse cloth or wool. In the early 20th century, the design of swimsuits evolved significantly, becoming more fitted and made from stretch materials like nylon or spandex. The modern swimsuit has become a popular fashion item, with various styles, such as one-pieces, bikinis, and trunks, reflecting changes in fashion trends and attitudes towards body image.