bra

noun

ˈbrä How to pronounce bra (audio)
plural bras
: an undergarment that covers and supports the breasts
an underwire bra
… bras are much more than underwear in today's fashion milieu. If a bra shows a little these days, it's probably no accident …—Rebecca Quick
Nothing's worse than a bra that digs into your shoulders or irritates your skin with itchy fabric.—Marquaysa Battle

called also brassiere

see also bralette, sports bra
braless adjective

Examples of bra 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.
Bustiers and bra tops, particularly at Chloé, offered a confident, sensual take on femininity, alongside romantic dresses and elevated separates. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 Initially seen as provocative, the bra actually serves the purpose of affirming women who have gotten breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, Grede said. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 The mother’s white bra straps and red dress are part of the landscape of color in the living rooms and bedrooms where Lawson finds her images. — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Grammy Award-winning singer wore a sheer Didu black cross mesh top over a black leather bra top and a pair of Dilara Findikoglu leather short-shorts with lace-up detailing. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bra

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bra was in 1933

Phrases Containing bra

Rhymes for bra

See All Rhymes for bra

Browse Nearby Words

BR
bra
Brabançon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bra. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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