knickers

American  

[nik-erz] / ˈnɪk ərz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Also knickerbockers loose-fitting short trousers gathered in at the knees.

2. Chiefly British.

   1. a bloomerslike undergarment worn by women.

   2. panties.

3. British Informal. a woman's or girl's short-legged underpants.

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idioms

1. to get one's knickers in a twist, to get flustered or agitated.

   Don't get your knickers in a twist every time the telephone rings.

knickers British  

/ ˈnɪkəz /

plural noun

1. an undergarment for women covering the lower trunk and sometimes the thighs and having separate legs or leg-holes

2. a US variant of knickerbockers

3. slang to become agitated, flustered, or upset

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Usage

What does knickers mean? Knickers most commonly refers to women’s underwear. Knickers is primarily used in the U. K., where it may sound a little old-fashioned or childish—a lot of British people think of knickers as what grandmothers and little girls wear (as opposed to underwear). It is often used to intentionally imply such associations or to be funny. In the U. S., knickers was once used to refer to breeches, a kind of knee-length pants once popular for men and boys. But both the pants and the word for them are rarely used anymore. Example: My mum bought me some new knickers that look like they’re for my granny.

Etymology

Origin of knickers

1880–85; shortened form of knickerbockers, plural of knickerbocker, special use of Knickerbocker

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Explanation

Knickers are underwear, especially women's underpants. Your little cousin's favorite knickers might be her blue and red Wonder Woman knickers. Knickers, meaning underpants, is primarily a British term, although Americans will usually know what you mean if you use it. In the US, the primary, if outdated, meaning of knickers is "short pants." These old fashioned trousers, also known as knickerbockers or "breeches," were loose and knee-length, and worn by men and boys. Golfers and skiers commonly wore knickers in the early 20th century.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

knickers

I repaired Steve’s bicycle knickers for a coming tour but sent a little black dress—perfect for someone else—off to Goodwill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

“You also see the outside: baby’s dirty nappy or Margo’s ordinary knickers or track pants, all the unglamorous and unsexy things.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’m not Mick Jagger,” he joked, delivering a goofy rendition of the Rolling Stones frontman’s signature moves before covering their hit “Start Me Up.”

From Seattle Times ● May 25, 2024

Connor Kerr said the team were doing everything from "washing knickers" to helping prepare outfits and accessories to go on stage, both for the Belfast gig and Lizzo's performance at Glastonbury this weekend.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2023

There were always stockings and pink rayon knickers with holes in them hung on a string across the room to dry.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

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Related Words

• shorts
• slacks
• trousers
• underpants

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