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rash guard

American  
[rash-gahrd] / ˈræʃˌgɑrd /
Or rashguard

noun

  1. a fitted garment for the upper body that is worn for surfing or other ocean sports to protect against chafing and sunburn.

    a breathable and fast-drying rash guard with optimal stretch.


Etymology

Origin of rash guard

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sporting swimming trunks and a rash guard shirt, mayor Andrew Little dived face first into the surf as he sought to reassure angry residents that the water was now safe.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

If people don’t recognize him from his “Blind Surfer” rash guard, they might when they hear him speak.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2022

After spending hundreds of dollars on an anti-cellulite treatment and spray tan before receiving Vlad and family for a pool party, she ends up covering the whole mess with a rash guard and flowing pants.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2022

My sister held an end-of-summer pool party this weekend and I wore the obligatory rash guard despite being in a covered pool.

From Slate • Sep. 23, 2014

It is flaunted as well by the actress Leslie Mann, who wears a punk floral rash guard in “The Other Woman,” a revenge comedy set to arrive in theaters this month.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2014

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