underwear

noun

un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwer How to pronounce underwear (audio)
: clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

Examples of underwear in a Sentence

he had been sleeping in his underwear so he had to put a robe on before answering the door
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Get smoothed and snatched with the help of these bodysuits, shorts, and underwear. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 21 Apr. 2025 Women’s underwear was hit with a 12.8% tariff, while men’s underwear had an 8.6% tariff. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025 This underwear is lightweight and discreet, and stays fresh all day. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025 So part of us going into investigative reporting on brands that are creating, whether that’s hair, underwear or clothing. Morgan A. Grain, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underwear

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underwear was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underwear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwear. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

underwear

noun
un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwa(ə)r How to pronounce underwear (audio)
-ˌwe(ə)r
: clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

More from Merriam-Webster on underwear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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