underwear

noun

un·​der·​wear ˈən-dər-ˌwer 

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

Synonyms

• underclothes
• underclothing
• undergarments
• undies
• unmentionables

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

Approaching menopause, recovering from childbirth, wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, and holding tension in your pelvic floor can all be causes of vaginal burning, in addition to the more obvious culprits (infection). —Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 13 May 2025

The blood some of them found in their underwear afterward. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 12 May 2025

Keep scrolling to shop more of the best deals happening at Spanx right now, including summer-ready lightweight layers, relaxed pants, and seamless underwear. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 10 May 2025

Her final look on the red carpet had Gaga stripped down to a black bra and underwear set with glittery stockings. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, 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