tank top

American

noun

a close-fitting, low-cut top having shoulder straps and often made of lightweight, knitted fabric.

tank top British

noun

a sleeveless upper garment with wide shoulder straps and a low neck, usually worn over a shirt, blouse, or jumper

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tank top

First recorded in 1945–50

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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.

Browne, 29, has tickets to a spring music festival in Washington and has already picked out a tank top shaped like a butterfly for the event.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

It released an image of the actress wearing the fictional archaeologist's green tank top and brown shorts - a look inspired by the character's appearance in the classic Lara Croft games on the original PlayStation.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

“Syd’s Picks,” a collection of Sweeney’s favorite American Eagle items—including a low-rise jean, lace tank top and utility jacket—will continue to be featured on its website.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

The man who fled the crash site wore a white tank top, but officers found Scott in a black T-shirt.

From Slate • Jul. 7, 2025

She’s leaning against the doorframe in lime-green pajama bottoms and a fuchsia tank top, looking like one of those color-swirled lollipops you get on the boardwalk.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023