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Waistcoat: meaning, definitions and examples

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waistcoat

[ ˈweɪskəʊt ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

clothing

A waistcoat is a sleeveless piece of clothing that is worn over a shirt and under a jacket or suit. It typically has buttons down the front and is often made of a formal fabric such as silk or wool.

Synonyms

vest, veste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
waistcoat	This term is listed twice but has the same context and usage as the first entry. In British English, it's a formal garment worn over a shirt. The groom wore a grey waistcoat with his suit. Adding a waistcoat to your outfit can give it a classic look.
vest	This term is more commonly used in American English, similar to the British 'waistcoat'. A vest is often worn as part of a three-piece suit or for formal occasions. He wore a sleek black vest with his tuxedo. For the business meeting, she decided to wear a fitted vest with her slacks.
veste	This term is used in French, referring to a jacket. It is not commonly used in English-speaking contexts unless referring specifically to French fashion. She bought a chic veste from a boutique in Paris. The designer's latest collection featured a stunning red veste.

Word

Description / Examples

waistcoat

This term is listed twice but has the same context and usage as the first entry. In British English, it's a formal garment worn over a shirt.

The groom wore a grey waistcoat with his suit.
Adding a waistcoat to your outfit can give it a classic look.

vest

This term is more commonly used in American English, similar to the British 'waistcoat'. A vest is often worn as part of a three-piece suit or for formal occasions.

He wore a sleek black vest with his tuxedo.
For the business meeting, she decided to wear a fitted vest with her slacks.

veste

This term is used in French, referring to a jacket. It is not commonly used in English-speaking contexts unless referring specifically to French fashion.

She bought a chic veste from a boutique in Paris.
The designer's latest collection featured a stunning red veste.

Examples of usage

He wore a sharp waistcoat with his suit.
The waistcoat added a touch of elegance to his outfit.

Translations

Translations of the word "waistcoat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colete

🇮🇳 जैकेट

🇩🇪 Westen

🇮🇩 rompi

🇺🇦 жилет

🇵🇱 kamizelka

🇯🇵 ベスト

🇫🇷 gilet

🇪🇸 chaleco

🇹🇷 yelek

🇰🇷 조끼

🇸🇦 سترة

🇨🇿 vesta

🇸🇰 vestu

🇨🇳 背心

🇸🇮 jopič

🇮🇸 vesta

🇰🇿 жилет

🇬🇪 ჟილეტი

🇦🇿 jilet

🇲🇽 chaleco

Etymology

The waistcoat, also known as a vest in American English, has a long history dating back to the 17th century. It was originally worn as an undergarment by men to provide additional warmth and to add layers to their outfit. Over time, the waistcoat evolved into a fashionable garment that is now commonly worn as part of formal attire. Its popularity has fluctuated over the years, but it remains a staple in men's and women's fashion.