bikini

noun

bi·​ki·​ni bə-ˈkē-nē 

plural bikinis

1

a

: a two-piece bathing suit worn by women that does not cover the midriff see also string bikini, tankini

b

: a short snug swimsuit worn by men

2

: a pair of low-cut briefs (see brief entry 2 sense 4)

Launched in May, the underwear brand for men and women includes bikinis, … G-strings and boxer briefs.

—Phyllis Furman

… ultra low-rise jeans with a built-in bikini or thong.

—Sunday Tribune (South Africa)

—often used before another noun

Bikini briefs are usually lower than the true waist, often at the hips.

—Clifford Pugh

bikinied adjective

or less commonly bikini'd

bə-ˈkē-nēd 

Examples of bikini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Stranger Things actress was seen in a bright magenta and brown tie-dye bikini top with a pair of medium-wash denim shorts. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024

This moment was a fantastic take on desert attire: a furry cropped top, bikini bottoms, and boots created with Timbaland. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 15 Apr. 2024

In keeping with the hairy style inspiration, Doja and Nelson also partnered with Entire Studios on a faux-fur look consisting of a blonde crop top, bikini bottoms, and boots made in collaboration with Timberland. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2024

Score flowy skirts, bikinis, comfy sandals, and more up to 69 percent off. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2024

Like, why the bikini? But in any case, I was burned in effigy. —Jessica Bennett, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024

In the photo taken in Belize, Brittany poses in the string bikini while wearing a cowboy hat. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

Tons of the brand’s mix-and-match bikini separates are now available for less than $10 each, making them just about the cheapest (but cutest) pieces on the market. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024

The pop star shared the news in a post via X on Thursday (April 4), sharing a photo of the project’s artwork — which features her looking luminous in a white bikini top and shawl — as well as a teaser video. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Bikini, atoll of the Marshall Islands

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bikini

• bikini wax
• string bikini

Kids Definition

bikini

noun

bi·​ki·​ni bə-ˈkē-nē 

: a scanty two-piece bathing suit for a girl or woman

Etymology

from French bikini "two-piece bathing suit," from Bikini, atoll in the Marshall Islands

Geographical Definition

Bikini

geographical name

Bi·​ki·​ni bi-ˈkē-nē 

island (atoll) of the Marshall Islands

Note: Bikini was the site of U.S. atomic bomb tests in 1946 and hydrogen bomb tests in 1954 and 1956.

Bikinian

bi-ˈkē-nē-ən 

noun