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

Though the trick, here, could also be to wear them with comfortable, rib-high underwear. —Chloé Versabeau, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2026

Because there’s absolutely nothing worse than coming home with a suitcase full of dirty laundry only to find your underwear drawer empty and your hamper overflowing. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Elsewhere in the photoshoot, Hosk swam in a pool, clad in a white graphic T-shirt and black underwear. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026

Photos of several clothing items were show to the jury, including Athena’s socks and underwear and her blue jeans, which were embroidered with pink flowers on the front pockets. —Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 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