shirtwaist

noun

shirt·​waist ˈshərt-ˌwāst 

: a woman's tailored garment (such as a blouse or dress) with details copied from men's shirts

Examples of shirtwaist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Between its pleats, lace detailing, and soft peplum design, the shirt has the DNA of a pintuck or shirtwaist blouse, but the front tie design gives it a sexier, romantic appeal. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 1 June 2026

Ballet flats, separates, the shirtwaist dress, spaghetti straps on evening gowns, strapless swimsuits and athletic-friendly designs were among her creations. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 10 June 2025

About 18 years ago, thick poison ivy covered 64 headstones in Staten Island’s Baron Hirsch Cemetery, including the one belonging to Beckie Neubauer, a 19-year-old Austrian immigrant who died in the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire. — Maria Cramer, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

Four other structures, including a two-story shirtwaist home built in 1916, exist on the block. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2025

But rather than an imitation of life as it was depicted in Sirk’s films, all mannered transatlantic speech and swishing shirtwaist dresses, Moore takes the assignment dead seriously. — Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024

The first display greeting viewers showcases three shirtwaists embroidered with the names of three women who perished in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shirtwaist

• abased
• barefaced
• debased
• defaced
• disgraced
• displaced
• distaste
• effaced
• embraced
• emplaced
• encased
• erased

Kids Definition

shirtwaist

noun

shirt·​waist -ˌwāst 

: a woman's tailored garment (as a dress or blouse) with details copied from men's shirts