brassiere

noun

bras·​siere brə-ˈzir 

also ˌbra-sē-ˈer

plural brassieres

: an undergarment that covers and supports the breasts : bra

Examples of brassiere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trove of women’s bloomers, drawers, knickers, brassieres, corsets, and girdles is just a small part of the school’s historic clothing collection, with images shared by the University of Wyoming Libraries via JSTOR. — April White, JSTOR Daily, 2 Sep. 2026

Clothing is included in the lots—an evening gown, a blouse, a brassiere and a 1950s minaudière evening purse. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

Or a big pile of unclaimed brassieres? — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2026

Heath sensors will also continue to show up in newer places like toilets, bath mats, and brassieres. — Boone Ashworth, Wired News, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French brassière bodice, from Old French braciere arm protector, from bras arm — more at bracelet

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

brassiere

noun

bras·​siere brə-ˈzi(ə)r 

also ˌbras-ē-ˈe(ə)r

: a woman's close-fitting undergarment to cover and support the breasts

Etymology

from obsolete French brassière "bodice," from early French braciere "arm protector," from bras "arm," from Latin bracchium (same meaning) — related to brace, bracelet