underwear

noun

un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwer 

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

Synonyms of underwear

• panties
• pants
• undergarments
• undies
• underclothes
• underclothing
• pajamas
• unmentionables
• lingerie

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

The set comes with three small bins and one larger one; use them to neatly stow socks, bras, and underwear. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Donations of new socks and underwear for adults for the Shower Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove, as well as socks and underwear for children in need at Melrose Elementary School, will be collected. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

Any bras, underwear, or lingerie that has elastic, spandex, lace, or lycra can be ruined by the heat and should be hung to dry. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026

While starring in the company’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, the Rhode founder recreated one of Gisele Bündchen’s most iconic photos while wearing nothing but her underwear. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1832, 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