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

Example Sentences

At her last practice earlier in the day, she was perfectly comfortable bouncing around with a hole in her patterned black tights while others wore their competition dresses.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because this was just a girl around his age, wearing a plaid skirt, sparkly tights, and a T-shirt with a logo from the Fornax Force movies.

From Literature

Most of the designs were made from the same foundation, consisting of a mannequin, a pair of stuffed tights, and a head made of newspaper, kitchen foil, and masking tape.

From BBC

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

He also "didn't want to be standing on stage holding a spear for the rest of my life, in wrinkled tights, I just wanted to have a bit of a life".

From BBC

Related Words

• hosiery
• pantyhose