underwear

noun

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

Synonyms of underwear

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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.
Intimissimi, a leading player in the lingerie and underwear sector, is offering a moment of calm in a city defined by constant motion. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Upon entering the mock prison, the inmates underwent a strip-search and then had to put on loose-fitting smocks with no underwear. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 Manas, known for radical size inclusivity, showed a SS27 collection made in partnership with Belgian underwear brand Primadonna, featuring sheer bodysuits and architectural bustiers. — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 There is more work to be done and women's underwear to redesign. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underwear

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underwear was in 1832

Phrases Containing underwear

Rhymes for underwear

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Browse Nearby Words

underway
underwear
under weigh
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Cite this Entry

“Underwear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwear. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about underwear

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