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underwire

American  
[uhn-der-wahyuhr] / ˈʌn dərˌwaɪər /

noun

  1. a wire sewn into the underside of each cup of a brassiere, used for support and shape.

  2. a brassiere with such wires.


Etymology

Origin of underwire

under- + wire

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.

See Examples For:

Its FlexFactor bra has an underwire that is encased in fabric to make it more cushioned against the skin.

From The Wall Street Journal May 21, 2026

The concern here is that underwire puts pressure on the lymphatic system, reducing lymph flow and promoting cancer growth.

From Slate Aug. 12, 2024

For the first time in five years, wireless, soft-cup bras outsold underwire, the latter gathering so much rust.

From Washington Post Mar. 9, 2022

For 18 months, while everyone got newly acquainted with their couches, some said a gleeful farewell to underwire.

From New York Times Dec. 11, 2021

Don’t let the old constraints of the fashion elite take over after all those months in cozy duds and the de-escalation of underwire.

From Seattle Times Dec. 1, 2021

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