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.
Susan strips down to her underwear and jumps in after him, with Thom following closely behind. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 In her lawsuit, Walters alleges Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, pushed her onto a bed in May 2010, pinned her arms, and tried to kiss her before moving behind her, biting her ear, and forcing her hand into his underwear. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 Add a pair of kitten heels, and your underwear-as-outerwear outfit is set. — Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026 For more on the history of underwear, keep an eye out for new episodes of You’re Dead to Me! — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 12 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 16 Aug. 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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