underwear

[uhn-der-wair]

noun

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

underwear

/ ˈʌndəˌwɛə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of underwear¹

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + wear

Example Sentences

Yaneisy says Michael told her that they didn't let him shower or give him a change of underwear when his briefs were covered in his blood and stool.

From BBC

It did, however, tell the BBC that the underwear appeared to have been "moved in jest, without any thought given for the upset this could cause to the owner".

From BBC

At another factory that makes underwear, we saw inventory of nearly $1m, meant for US stores, piled up with no takers.

From BBC

They show the Old Town Road singer dancing along a Los Angeles street in Studio City, wearing just white underwear and white cowboy boots.

From BBC

Some parents use school uniform banks where they can pick up everything from blazers, trousers and ties to clean underwear and shoes for free.

From BBC

Related Words

• bikini 
• bra 
• corset 
• lingerie 
• shorts 
• undergarment 
• underpants 
• undershirt