petticoat

American  

[pet-ee-koht] / ˈpɛt iˌkoʊt /

noun

• petticoats
  plural

1. Also called pettiskirt.  an underskirt, especially one that is full and often trimmed and ruffled and of a decorative fabric.

2. any skirtlike part or covering.

3. a flounce or valance fitting around the sides of a bed, couch, or chair, as to conceal the legs.

4. Informal: Sometimes Offensive. a woman or girl (usually used facetiously).

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adjective

1. Informal: Sometimes Offensive. of, relating to, or controlled by women; female; feminine.

   petticoat government.

petticoat British  

/ ˈpɛtɪˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a woman's light undergarment in the form of an underskirt or including a bodice supported by shoulder straps

2. informal

   1. a humorous or mildly disparaging name for a woman

   2. ( as modifier )

      petticoat politics

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Sensitive Note

In reference to a female, this term is usually used for humorous effect, but is sometimes perceived as insulting or demeaning to women.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• underpetticoat
  noun
• petticoatless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• petticoats
  plural

Etymology

Origin of petticoat

First recorded in 1375–1425, petticoat is from the late Middle English word petycote. See petty, coat

Explanation

A petticoat is an old-fashioned piece of clothing that was commonly worn underneath a skirt at various periods in history. The last time petticoats were popular was in the 1950s and 60s. Petticoat has had a variety of meanings over the years. In North America, it's an undergarment worn at the waist beneath a long skirt, but in other countries it's also been used to mean any skirt or a visible layer over an existing skirt. During the mid-19th century, petticoats were used to give a huge amount of bulk and shape to the skirt. As the word implies, the original petticoats were actual coats worn under a knight's armor.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

petticoat petticoats

There is also a costume inspired by crinoline, the stiff or structured petticoat designed to hold out a skirt or tutu, but whimsically reimagined using neoprene.

From Barron's ● Feb. 12, 2026

Approaching the stage with a glittering entourage, Queen Elvis wears a billowing pink skirt fitted tight over a white petticoat, a sequined wrap, and a cabbage-sized blue bow slung from her waist.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 11, 2024

As Pixie, Perez is dressed in a vivid ensemble designed by Lisa Renee Jordan with polka dots, corkscrew ribbons, a red petticoat, a purple corset and sparkly Chuck Taylors.

From New York Times ● Apr. 27, 2023

Colchester auctioneers, Reeman Dansie, will be selling more than a thousand royal, fine art and antique items on 8 and 9 November, including a pink satin full-length petticoat worn by Her Majesty.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2022

Her skirt was turned back, showing a petticoat of red knitted yarn with tatting around the edge.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

French designer Paul Poiret looked to this history in the early 20th century when he began designing chic, architecturally inspired gowns that required no corsets or petticoats.

From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026

If you’re expecting Ibsen with petticoats and silver service, you’ve come to the wrong place.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 9, 2023

Nova Twins, up for best group, wore stunning dresses framed by hoop petticoats and adorned with safety pins and tartan, adding a splash of colour to the red carpet.

From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2023

Now set in the street instead of a compact rooftop, the scene is a kinetic swirl of vibrant colors, ruffles and petticoats that practically explode with the athletic choreography.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 29, 2021

All the girls were dressed in pastels, formal dresses with lots of petticoats their mothers had sewn for them or they had sewn for themselves.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam