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

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

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

First Lady Edith Wilson practically ran the White House, leaving opponents fulminating about "government by petticoat".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2019

In that particular flat-building and all the neighboring buildings, creaky shutters were closed and tied with petticoat strings to the window bars.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri