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; see -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.

Related Words

• hosiery
• pantyhose