# bikini

/bɪˈkini/ (US) · /bɪkˈiːni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bikini
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. two-piece swimsuit

noun · CEFR A2

a swimming suit for women that has two separate parts, one for the top and one for the bottom.

For teachers: a two-piece bathing suit for women, typically consisting of a top covering the breasts and a bottom covering the pelvic area, leaving the midriff exposed.

- She packed her favorite blue bikini for the trip to the beach.
- The fashion designer's latest collection features high-waisted bikinis inspired by 1950s swimwear silhouettes.

### 2. style of underwear or bottoms

noun · CEFR B2

a style of underwear or swim bottoms that sit low on your hips.

For teachers: a style of brief underpants or swimwear bottoms that reach the hips rather than the waist, often featuring high-cut leg openings.

- He prefers wearing bikini-style briefs because they are more comfortable under his gym shorts.
- The department store offers various cuts of men's underwear, including boxers, trunks, and bikini briefs.

### 3. Bikini Atoll

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a group of small islands in the Pacific Ocean where nuclear tests were once done.

For teachers: a coral atoll in the Marshall Islands, historically significant as a site for United States nuclear weapons testing between 1946 and 1958.

- The history book explained the environmental impact of the tests on Bikini Atoll.
- Researchers continue to monitor the radiation levels in the soil and marine life surrounding Bikini Atoll to assess long-term ecological recovery.

## Examples

- She bought a new blue bikini for her summer holiday.
- Most people at the beach were wearing bikinis or swim trunks to stay cool in the heat.
- The introduction of the bikini in the mid-twentieth century was initially met with significant social resistance before becoming a standard garment in global beach culture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.