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.
Expectations of women—and their underwear—changed yet again after the Second World War. — April White, JSTOR Daily, 2 Sep. 2026 Skims, the shapewear, underwear, loungewear, swimsuit, menswear brand founded in 2019 by reality television personality Kim Kardashian. — Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 Does his significant other and babymama Isabel Haugseng Johansen constantly have to remind him to toss the underwear and socks in the laundry hamper as opposed to on the floor? — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Perhaps a swimsuit on a chair, or in an inner courtyard balcony, but what are these people thinking, displaying their underwear? — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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