# Guernsey

/ˈɡɝnzi/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guernsey
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a thick, warm wool sweater that was originally made for sailors. In Australian English, it can also mean a sports jersey or getting a chance to participate in something.

For teachers: a heavy, close-fitting woollen sweater traditionally worn by sailors and fishermen. In Australian contexts, refers to a sports jersey or, idiomatically, to receiving recognition or a selection for a task.

## Examples

- He wore a thick guernsey to stay warm on the boat.
- After months of hard work on the sidelines, the young player finally got a guernsey in the starting lineup.
- The traditional guernsey is knitted in one piece with a high neck and ribbed cuffs, designed to provide maximum protection against the harsh maritime elements.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the garment, it is a countable noun; the idiomatic Australian expression 'to get a guernsey' means to be selected.

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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.