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• see-through
  see-through

  adjective

  Also see-thru transparent.
• see through
  see through

  verb

  (tr) to help out in time of need or trouble

see-through

American  

[see-throo] / ˈsiˌθru /

adjective

1. Also see-thru transparent.

   a see-through blouse.

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noun

1. a degree of or variation in transparency.

2. a see-through item of clothing.

3. look-through.

see through British  

verb

1. (tr) to help out in time of need or trouble

   I know you're short of money, but I'll see you through

2. (tr, adverb) to remain with until the end or completion

   let's see the job through

3. (intr, preposition) to perceive the true nature of

   I can see through your evasion

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adjective

1. partly or wholly transparent or translucent, esp (of clothes) in a titillating way

   a see-through nightie

see through Idioms  

1. . Understand the true character or nature of someone or something, as in We saw through his superficial charm: he was obviously a liar . [c. 1400]

2. Also, see out . Remain with an undertaking to the end; also, provide steadfast support to. For example, I saw the reorganization through and then I left the company , or We'll see out the year in Florida and then decide if the move is permanent , or We'll see you through medical school but then you're on your own .

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Etymology

Origin of see-through

First recorded in 1940–45; adj., noun use of verb phrase see through

Example Sentences

In January, the company also faced backlash over see-through issues in its Get Low line of workout gear.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

The Red Sox’s jersey situation played out much quicker than the MLB’s see-through pants controversy two years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

Now, in yet another see-through dust-up, he’s blaming the company’s board.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Many wore sundresses, cowboy boots, leopard print and, to comply with tight security, plastic see-through purses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025

Annabeth kept talking about structural supports, and how she would’ve made the windows bigger, and designed a see-through floor.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• gauzy
• sheer
• translucent