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Synonyms

underwear

American  
[uhn-der-wair] / ˈʌn dərˌwɛər /

noun

  1. clothing worn worn next to the skin under outer clothes.

underwear British  
/ ˈʌndəˌwɛə /

noun

  1. Also called: underclothes.  clothing worn under the outer garments, usually next to the skin

"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 underwear

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + wear

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.

But for others, it has turned into an opportunity to flex their money-saving muscles — even to the point of stuffing socks and underwear in those holiday baskets.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The sensor sits outside your underwear and can be cleaned with alcohol wipes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Believers will often take precautions, including wearing a red-string bracelet or red underwear throughout the year for protection.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Before the start of each season, ski jumpers are measured using 3D body scanners, in which they must wear only "elastic, body-tight underwear".

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Ever since I staggered home through the woods in my underwear, I have been trying to feel nothing about what happened.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.