underskirt

American  

[uhn-der-skurt] / ˈʌn dərˌskɜrt /

noun

1. a skirt, as a petticoat, worn under another skirt or a dress.

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underskirt British  

/ ˈʌndəˌskɜːt /

noun

1. any skirtlike garment worn under a skirt

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Etymology

Origin of underskirt

First recorded in 1860–65; under- + skirt

Example Sentences

The dress’s skirt has a kick pleat, and if you glance beneath it, you’ll find five layers of underskirt, three of them meticulously embroidered, just in case the performer lifts her dancing shoe.

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2021

The designers began with the corset and complex underskirt before moving on to the fitted bodice and full pleated skirt.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2018

Among the evening's modern looks was Kerry Washington's orange-is-the-new-black Prada column gown with a high slit, sparkly underskirt and multicolored micro-beaded edge details.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2014

This is, as Helena Bonham Carter said of her hitched-up underskirt at the BAFTAs last weekend, not a good moment.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2011

Next week the cerise underskirt might froth out from beneath a sky-blue sheath with one black chiffon sleeve.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith