gusset

American  

[guhs-it] / ˈgʌs ɪt /

noun

1. a small, triangular piece of material inserted into a shirt, shoe, etc., to improve the fit or for reinforcement.

2. Civil Engineering. a plate for uniting structural members at a joint, as in a steel frame or truss.

3. Armor.

   1. Also called voider.  an area of mail backed with cloth, for defending the armpits or areas at joints.

   2. a small piece of plate armor at the armhole of a cuirass; pallet.

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gusset British  

/ ˈɡʌsɪt /

noun

1. an inset piece of material used esp to strengthen or enlarge a garment

2. a triangular metal plate for strengthening a corner joist between two structural members

3. a piece of mail fitted between armour plates or into the leather or cloth underclothes worn with armour, to give added protection

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verb

1. (tr) to put a gusset in (a garment)

Other Word Forms

• gusseted adjective

Etymology

Origin of gusset

1375–1425; late Middle English < Old French gousset, derivative of gousse pod, husk

Example Sentences

I was literally sewing a gusset into those pants up until 30 seconds before we shot!

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2024

She decided to try period underwear because the appearance of blood can be less prominent on a black absorbent gusset than on regular underwear, or on the white surface of a pad.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2022

The boots are fully waterproof up to the tongue gusset, they mold to fit almost any foot shape, and the flexible soles are easy to walk in.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2018

The result is a boyish button-down with specs, from placket to gusset, that are borrowed from him but customized for her.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2014

My grief! my grief! here are two brothers closer than by kin, and they have reached a gusset of life, and there must be separation.

From John Splendid The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of Lorn by Munro, Neil

Related Words

• hem
• joint
• pleat