# Tees

/ˈtiz/ (US) · /tˈiːz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tees
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

short-sleeved shirts without buttons or a collar, usually made of cotton. They are named for their shape, which looks like the letter T.

For teachers: plural form of 'tee'; refers to casual, collarless, short-sleeved shirts typically constructed from jersey or cotton fabric.

## Examples

- I bought three new white tees for the summer.
- The band sold graphic tees at the back of the venue to help fund their tour bus repairs.
- While high-end fashion houses now produce luxury versions in silk and cashmere, the classic cotton tee remains the fundamental building block of the modern casual wardrobe.

## Usage notes

- Informal shortening of 'T-shirts'; almost always used in the plural when referring to a collection of clothing.

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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.