sweater
- 01 A1 Beginner
a warm piece of clothing with long sleeves, often made of wool, that you wear over your shirt.
a knitted or crocheted garment covering the upper body and arms, typically worn for warmth.
Simple“It was a cold morning, so he put on a thick wool sweater before going outside.”
In context“She opted for a lightweight cashmere sweater that provided sufficient insulation against the autumn chill without being overly bulky under her coat.”
UsageIn British English, this is more commonly called a 'jumper'.
Teacher's tipWhile 'sweater' is understood globally, teachers should note that 'jumper' is the standard term in the UK and Australia for the same garment.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a person who produces a lot of sweat from their skin.
an individual who perspires, particularly one prone to heavy perspiration during physical exertion.
Simple“He is a heavy sweater, so he always drinks plenty of water during his workout.”
In context“The study monitored heavy sweaters to determine the rate of electrolyte loss during prolonged exposure to high humidity.”
UsageUsually used in medical or physiological contexts.
Teacher's tipThis sense is rare in everyday conversation; learners will almost always encounter the word as a piece of clothing.
From Middle English swētere, equivalent to sweat + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.