sweater

noun

sweat·​er ˈswe-tər How to pronounce sweater (audio)
1
: one that sweats or causes sweating
2
a
: a knitted or crocheted jacket or pullover
b
: a heavy jersey worn in ice hockey

Examples of sweater 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.
While dark-wash jeans, trench coats, and sweaters may be top of mind, don’t forget your footwear. — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 The slouchy, mockneck sweater is back again, this time with plenty of cropped and cardigan options, too. — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026 And Teyana Taylor dressed up for a pre-Oscars party in a red slash back sweater dress and exaggerated bow belt with the label’s bonbon gloves and thigh-high Shark Pinch boots in black leather. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 The man in the video has a slim build, his hair tied back under a ball cap, and is wearing a gray sweater and black pants. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweater

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweater was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing sweater

Rhymes for sweater

See All Rhymes for sweater

Browse Nearby Words

sweat equity
sweater
sweaterdress
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sweater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweater. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sweater

noun
sweat·​er ˈswet-ər How to pronounce sweater (audio)
1
: one that sweats or causes sweating
2
: a knitted or crocheted jacket or pullover

More from Merriam-Webster on sweater

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sweater

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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