bikini

¹

[bih-kee-nee]

noun

plural

bikinis 

1. a very brief, close-fitting, two-piece bathing suit for women or girls.

2. a very brief, close-fitting pair of bathing trunks for men or boys.

3. Often bikinis. underwear briefs that are fitted low on the hip or below it.

Bikini

²

[bih-kee-nee]

noun

1. an atoll in the N Pacific, in the Marshall Islands: atomic bomb tests 1946. 3 sq. mi. (8 sq. km).

Bikini

¹

/ bɪˈkiːnɪ /

noun

1. an atoll in the N Pacific; one of the Marshall Islands: site of a US atomic-bomb test in 1946

bikini

²

/ bɪˈkiːnɪ /

noun

1. a woman's very brief two-piece swimming costume

Word History and Origins

Origin of bikini¹

1945–50; < French, apparently named after Bikini

Word History and Origins

Origin of bikini¹

C20: after Bikini atoll, from a comparison between the devastating effect of the atomic-bomb test and the effect caused by women wearing bikinis

Example Sentences

Beth Bourne was asked to leave the board meeting after she stripped down to her bikini in protest.

From Los Angeles Times

She remembers being “sliced” when she was 16 by a comment someone left on Twitter — “chicken noodle body” — under a paparazzi shot of her on the beach in a bikini.

From Los Angeles Times

“Excuse me, this ... this is allowed,” Bourne said, revealing her bikini bottom to the room.

From Los Angeles Times

Kuina is known for her easygoing demeanor and wearing a bikini, with a fake cigarette dangling from her lips.

From Salon

"On Love Island I never wore the thong bikinis and now I'm like 'Why didn't I do that?"

From BBC

Related Words

• bra 
• corset 
• lingerie 
• shorts 
• undergarment 
• underpants 
• undershirt