# sweater

/ˈswɛtɝ/ (US) · /swˈɛtɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. clothing for warmth

noun · CEFR A1 · American English

a warm piece of clothing with long sleeves, often made of wool, that you wear over your shirt.

For teachers: a knitted or crocheted garment covering the upper body and arms, typically worn for warmth.

- It was a cold morning, so he put on a thick wool sweater before going outside.
- She opted for a lightweight cashmere sweater that provided sufficient insulation against the autumn chill without being overly bulky under her coat.

Usage: In British English, this is more commonly called a 'jumper'.

Teaching tip: While 'sweater' is understood globally, teachers should note that 'jumper' is the standard term in the UK and Australia for the same garment.

### 2. someone who perspires

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a person who produces a lot of sweat from their skin.

For teachers: an individual who perspires, particularly one prone to heavy perspiration during physical exertion.

- He is a heavy sweater, so he always drinks plenty of water during his workout.
- The study monitored heavy sweaters to determine the rate of electrolyte loss during prolonged exposure to high humidity.

Usage: Usually used in medical or physiological contexts.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in everyday conversation; learners will almost always encounter the word as a piece of clothing.

## Examples

- I wear a thick sweater when it is cold outside.
- She packed a light wool sweater for the trip because the evenings in the mountains can be chilly.
- The artisan used a traditional cable-knit pattern to create a heavy sweater designed to withstand the harsh coastal winters.

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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.