brassiere

noun

bras·​siere brə-ˈzir How to pronounce brassiere (audio)
also ˌbra-sē-ˈer
plural brassieres
: an undergarment that covers and supports the breasts : bra

Examples of brassiere in a Sentence

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.
Or a big pile of unclaimed brassieres? — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2026 Heath sensors will also continue to show up in newer places like toilets, bath mats, and brassieres. — Boone Ashworth, Wired News, 5 Jan. 2026 Clothing is included in the lots—an evening gown, a blouse, a brassiere and a 1950s minaudière evening purse. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 The units are strategically installed in the garments—in the female version, in both brassiere and panties—to make contact with sensitive regions of the body. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2014 See All Example Sentences for brassiere

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French brassière bodice, from Old French braciere arm protector, from bras arm — more at bracelet

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brassiere was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

brassie
brassiere
brassily
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brassiere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brassiere. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brassiere

noun
bras·​siere brə-ˈzi(ə)r How to pronounce brassiere (audio)
also ˌbras-ē-ˈe(ə)r
: a woman's close-fitting undergarment to cover and support the breasts
Etymology

from obsolete French brassière "bodice," from early French braciere "arm protector," from bras "arm," from Latin bracchium (same meaning) — related to brace, bracelet

More from Merriam-Webster on brassiere

Nglish: Translation of brassiere for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brassiere

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