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.
Don’t get your panties in a bunch — get seamless underwear instead! — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Even Jeremy Allen White, the actor known in part for a steamy Calvin Klein underwear campaign that flaunted his very real muscles, has been augmented by this pocket of the internet. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 The next day, David drove back to Altadena while Lauren took the girls to Target to buy toothbrushes and underwear. — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 Underwear & Bras Both of our experts agree that underwear and bras wash best in cooler temperatures to preserve their function so you’re not left needing to purchase more supportive pieces. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 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 1 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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