Underwear: meaning, definitions and examples

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underwear

[ ˈʌndəˌwɛr ]

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clothing

Underwear is clothing that you wear next to your skin under your other clothes. It is usually worn for hygiene, to protect outer clothing from sweat, and for warmth.

Synonyms

intimates, lingerie, undergarments

Examples of usage

I need to buy some new underwear.
She was wearing a pink bra and matching underwear.

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colloquial

Underwear can also refer to a person's intimate garments, specifically their underpants or panties.

Synonyms

boxers, briefs, panties, underpants

Examples of usage

He was caught with his underwear down.
She felt uncomfortable without her underwear.

Translations

Translations of the word "underwear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roupa íntima

🇮🇳 अंतर्वस्त्र (Antarvastra)

🇩🇪 Unterwäsche

🇮🇩 pakaian dalam

🇺🇦 нижня білизна

🇵🇱 bielizna

🇯🇵 下着 (したぎ, shitagi)

🇫🇷 sous-vêtements

🇪🇸 ropa interior

🇹🇷 iç çamaşırı

🇰🇷 속옷 (sogot)

🇸🇦 ملابس داخلية (malabis dakhiliyya)

🇨🇿 spodní prádlo

🇸🇰 spodná bielizeň

🇨🇳 内衣 (nèiyī)

🇸🇮 spodnje perilo

🇮🇸 nærföt

🇰🇿 іш киімі

🇬🇪 ქვეშა ტანსაცმელი (qvesha tansacmeli)

🇦🇿 alt paltarı

🇲🇽 ropa interior

Word origin

The term 'underwear' dates back to the early 19th century and is a combination of 'under' and 'wear', indicating clothing worn under other garments. Throughout history, underwear has evolved from basic undergarments to a fashion statement, with various styles and materials used for different purposes.