underwear

noun

un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwer 

: clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

Synonyms

• underclothes
• underclothing
• undergarments
• undies
• unmentionables

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

In addition, improperly fitting underwear (e.g., constriction around the legs) does not allow normal blood flow into the lower half of the body. —Dana Solomon, Outside Online, 16 Mar. 2025

For their debut ad with the brand, the two showcased their close bond while dancing around in bras and underwear. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025

This collection came across as spontaneous and off-duty and included a lot of lace reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, when underwear was worn as outerwear. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Kaufman recommends the one-leg stand while brushing your teeth or hopping around while getting into socks, underwear, and pants. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing underwear

• change of underwear
• in one's underwear
• long/thermal underwear
• long underwear

Rhymes for underwear

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

Kids Definition

underwear

noun

un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwa(ə)r 

-ˌwe(ə)r

: clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing