underpants

American

[uhn-der-pants] / ˈʌn dərˌpænts /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

drawers or shorts worn under outer clothing, usually next to the skin.

underpants British

/ ˈʌndəˌpænts /

plural noun

Often shortened to: pants. a man's undergarment covering the body from the waist or hips to the top of the thighs or knees

"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 underpants

First recorded in 1920–25; under- + pants

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.

Joining NFL team without a good QB is scarier than showing up to Day One in your underpants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Just as Clark Kent turns into Superman when he changes into his famous red underpants, Michael Cullen transforms into Speedo Mick when he pulls on his tight blue trunks.

From BBC • May 30, 2025

What if Superman ripped his underpants on his quest to save you?

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2025

On the screen, in near silence, a short, pale man wearing only blue underpants and black socks, could be seen approaching a bed.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

There’s a lot of wash, because Grace has two younger sisters who get her skirts and blouses and also her underpants passed down to them.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

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