# panties

/ˈpæntiz/ (US) · /pˈɑːntɪz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. women's underwear

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a piece of underwear worn by women and girls that covers the area between the waist and the top of the legs.

For teachers: a plural-only noun denoting a close-fitting undergarment for the lower torso, specifically designed for women or girls.

- She packed three pairs of panties and some socks in her small travel bag.
- The boutique specialises in high-end lingerie, offering silk panties with intricate lace detailing that matches their signature bralettes.

Usage: This noun is plural-only and takes a plural verb; it is frequently used with the classifier 'a pair of'.

Teaching tip: In British English, 'knickers' is the more common everyday term, while 'panties' can sometimes sound overly clinical or slightly sexualised depending on the context.

## Examples

- She packed several pairs of cotton panties for her weekend trip.
- The clothing store has a large section dedicated to matching bras and panties in various styles.
- The evolution of undergarments from heavy petticoats to lightweight panties reflects broader shifts in textile technology and social attitudes toward female mobility.

---

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.