underwear

noun

un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwer How to pronounce underwear (audio)
: clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The socialite and reality TV star has raised a few eyebrows with the latest addition to her underwear range, Skims — a barely there thong, lavishly adorned with fake pubic hair. Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 Today in underwear news, Skims has produced a line of hairy thongs. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2025 With every camera flash, the 29-year-old’s white underwear was visible to the roaring crowd. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 Black widows, con women, demented doctors and even a guy going berserk in his underwear make for an engaging rogues’ gallery for Frank and his folksy colleagues to face down. Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underwear

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underwear was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underwear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwear. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

underwear

noun
un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwa(ə)r How to pronounce underwear (audio)
-ˌwe(ə)r
: clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

More from Merriam-Webster on underwear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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