petticoat

American  

[pet-ee-koht] / ˈpɛt iˌkoʊt /

noun

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

• petticoatless
  adjective
• underpetticoat
  noun

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

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

She has the hair of Aurora or Belle with the eye makeup of a Bratz and the bowed petticoat frock of a lost American Girl Doll.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2023

He liked to watch her hands as she curled frothy petticoat cloth in the machine that was kept in motion by Remedios the Beauty.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez