brassiere

noun

bras·​siere brə-ˈzir 

also ˌbra-sē-ˈer

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

Examples of brassiere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Devil’s Rope Museum, housed inside what was once a brassiere factory, holds miles of the prickly wire, plus a section devoted to Route 66. —Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026

But with each year, the festival began to feel looser, with kids hanging out and drinking, showing up for the party; at moments, women would be dancing barefoot in their brassieres. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025

This balancing act is executed by a design with ample deep blue-hued banquettes, warm lighting inspired by French brassieres, amber votives on every table and upholstered walls. —Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

On the other end of the style spectrum, a sense of playfulness and granny chic aesthetic permeated the market, with Victorian-esque blouses, brassieres, and retro nighties getting the spotlight. —Irina Grechko, refinery29.com, 13 Mar. 2025

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