# sweats

/ˈswɛts/ (US) · /swˈɛts/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sweats
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

comfortable, loose clothes that you usually wear for exercising or relaxing at home. They are often made of soft, thick cotton.

For teachers: loose-fitting trousers and a matching top made of heavy cotton jersey, typically worn for exercise or leisure. Often used as a collective term for a tracksuit or sweatpants.

## Examples

- I usually change into my sweats as soon as I get home.
- After a long day at the office, she swapped her formal suit for a pair of comfortable sweats.
- While once reserved strictly for the gym or the privacy of one's home, wearing stylish sweats in public has become a widely accepted fashion trend in many urban environments.

## Usage notes

- Pluralia tantum — takes a plural verb and is often used with 'pair of'.

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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.