# lingerie

/ˈɫɑnʒɝˌeɪ/ (US) · /lˈɒnʒəɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lingerie
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. underwear

noun · CEFR B2

women's underwear or nightclothes, often made of lace or silk.

For teachers: women's undergarments or nightwear, particularly those designed for aesthetic appeal or made from delicate fabrics. Uncountable in usage.

- The shop on the corner sells expensive silk lingerie and nightgowns.
- The boutique specialises in handmade lace lingerie, catering to a luxury market that values traditional craftsmanship over mass-produced garments.

### 2. linen goods

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old word for items made of linen, such as shirts or sheets.

For teachers: linen goods collectively, including underclothing and household linens. This sense is largely obsolete in modern general-service English.

- In the old inventory, the word lingerie referred to all the family's linen sheets.
- Historical records from the nineteenth century often use the term lingerie to describe the entire stock of a linen draper's shop.

Usage: Usually found in historical texts or when discussing the etymology of the modern word.

## Examples

- She bought new lingerie for the weekend.
- The boutique specializes in silk lingerie and delicate sleepwear.
- Her collection of vintage lingerie reflected the changing fashion trends of the early twentieth century.

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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.