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

Authorities have said Mangione’s backpack contained a handgun, a silencer, a magazine with bullets wrapped in underwear, fake identification cards, a red notebook and other writings detailing his grievances against the private health care system in the United States. —Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026

In fact, everyone was very concerned about his underwear. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

One of her more striking looks featured Martin in a baby pink Loro Piana cardigan over a white camisole and bustle underwear by Brody, a handmade lingerie brand. —Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026

The legacy bra and underwear company beat Wall Street’s expectations on both the top and bottom lines and issued guidance that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. —Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 5 Mar. 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