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.
Both her underwear and Bryant's shirt were bloody. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 The tests were run on semen and hair samples found in the girl’s underwear. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Hailey Bieber bared some skin in her Skims underwear for a new campaign. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 June 2026 Her red underwear and Smith's Ryobi torch were recovered five days later. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of underwear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about underwear

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