Vest: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in American English to describe an undergarment worn underneath a shirt or as part of a three-piece suit. It can also refer to casual sleeveless tops.

• He wore a white vest under his shirt.
• She paired her jeans with a denim vest.

Used in British English to describe a sleeveless garment worn over a dress shirt and under a jacket as part of formal wear, such as a three-piece suit.

• He looked very dapper in his suit and waistcoat.
• The groom's waistcoat matched his bride's dress perfectly.

Refers to a sleeveless jacket often worn for warmth or fashion. It is commonly used in British English.

• She layered her outfit with a stylish gilet.
• A padded gilet is great for outdoor activities.

An historical term for a sleeveless jacket, often made of leather, typically worn in the past. Nowadays, it's rarely used and mostly appears in historical contexts or literature.

• The medieval knight wore a leather jerkin over his tunic.
• Actors in the play wore jerkins to represent the time period.

A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, common in both formal and casual settings.

• He wore a vest over his dress shirt to the wedding.
• She added a denim vest to complete her outfit.

A type of body armor specifically designed to protect against bullets, commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel.

• The police officer's bulletproof vest saved his life during the shootout.
• She put on her bulletproof vest before heading out on patrol.

Protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect physical attacks, typically used by military, police, or security personnel.

• The security guard always wears body armor while on duty.
• The soldier donned his body armor before the mission.

A protective vest originally designed to protect against shrapnel and explosive fragments, commonly used in military combat zones.

• The correspondent wore a flak jacket while reporting from the war zone.
• The soldiers were issued flak jackets before the operation.

Use 'vest' when transferring or bestowing power, rights, or property, often legally or formally.

• The committee decided to vest the authority in the chairman.
• His will vests the property in his niece.

Use 'grant' when agreeing to give or allowing someone to have something, often formally and with authority.

• The judge will grant the motion for a new trial.
• They decided to grant the request for a research fund.

Use 'endow' when providing with a quality, ability, or asset, often in a perpetual or lasting way.

• The philanthropist decided to endow the new hospital with a generous donation.
• She was endowed with exceptional musical talent.

Use 'confer' when giving a title, degree, honor, or benefit officially or ceremonially.

• The university will confer an honorary degree upon the renowned scientist.
• They will confer the award to the best actor.