tankini

noun

tank·​i·​ni taŋ-ˈkē-nē How to pronounce tankini (audio)
: a woman's two-piece swimsuit consisting of bikini briefs and a tank top

Did you know?

The two-piece swimsuit we call the bikini made its debut on Paris runways in 1946. The word bikini comes from Bikini atoll, the name of one of the Marshall Islands in the western Pacific, where atomic-bomb tests were performed in 1946. One theory of the coinage is that the effect achieved by a scantily clad woman appearing in public may be compared to the effect of an A-bomb blast. Another possible explanation is that the bikini leaves its wearer nearly bare, the way the bomb tests stripped Bikini atoll. In 1985, the tankini began appearing on beaches in the U.S., and the word bikini was combined with tank to create its appropriate name.

Examples of tankini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While Brazilian bikinis continue to be popular around the globe, summer 2025 also marks the return of the tankini and boy short bottoms, which provide not only more coverage but also the freedom to move without the worry of strings becoming untied. Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 27 June 2025 Your swimsuit drawer probably includes some one-pieces, bikinis, and maybe a tankini or two. Claire Harmeyer, People.com, 23 June 2025 Pair your tankini with a wide-brimmed hat and flip-flops for a classic summer look. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025 With so many cuts to choose from—triangle, bandeau, underwire, tankini—finding the best swimsuits for small boobs can take trial and error. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tankini

Word History

Etymology

blend of tank (top) and bikini

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tankini was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Tankini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tankini. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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