tights

American  

[tahyts] / taɪts /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a skin-tight, one-piece garment for the lower part of the body and the legs, now often made of stretch fabric, originally worn by dancers, acrobats, gymnasts, etc., and later made for general wear for adults and children.

2. a leotard with legs and, sometimes, feet.

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tights British  

/ taɪts /

plural noun

1. 1. Also called (US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): pantyhose.  a one-piece clinging garment covering the body from the waist to the feet, worn by women in place of stockings

   2. Also called: leotards.  a similar, tight-fitting garment worn instead of trousers by either sex

2. a similar garment formerly worn by men, as in the 16th century with a doublet

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Etymology

Origin of tights

1825–35; noun use of tight; -s ³

Explanation

Tights are a like snug, super long socks that go all the way up to your waist. Ballet dancers wear tights — and so does Superman. Tights are worn under skirts or dresses, by dancers and runners, and by actors playing roles including Hamlet and Peter Pan. The name comes from "tight-fitting breeches," and beginning in the early 19th century, tights referred to gear worn by acrobats and dancers. Today, the words pantyhose and stockings are commonly used interchangeably with tights.

Example Sentences

At those days, women workers used to receive small gifts on International Women's Day -- "those famous tights, chocolates, carnations..."

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

One is familiar and increasingly specific: a good leotard, fleece-lined tights, an extra water bottle, Band-Aids for blisters, putty-colored flats for barre, a pair of low, strappy heels for salsa.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026

In 2010, a Sun News article imagined Martin as a cartoon superhero, “in tights and a cape with the caricature of a microscope emblazoned across his chest.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Gemma, who works from home, wears tights under her clothes and swears by her electric blanket.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

Bridge glanced at Em’s legs—she was wearing a black skirt and black tights.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead

Related Words

• hosiery
• pantyhose