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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adapters are near the top of most international travel packing lists, right below your passport and above underwear and comfortable shoes. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The store is a converted facility storage unit lined with a variety of second-hand shirts, sweaters, pants, shoes, underwear and socks, complete with a small dressing room and check-out register. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 The sketch is iconic and has been followed up with similar sketches about Bodega bathrooms (2019), Airport Sushi (2020), Souvenir shop underwear (2020) and Subway Churros (2022). Rosa Escandon, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Underwear & Bras Both of our experts agree that underwear and bras wash best in cooler temperatures to preserve their function so you're not left needing to purchase more supportive pieces. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near underwear

Cite this Entry

“Underwear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwear. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!