underwear
n. US //ˈəndɝˌwɛɹ// UK //ˌʌndəwˈeə// un·der·wear
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1 clothing worn under outer layers (n.) A2 Elementaryclothes like underpants or bras that you wear under your main clothes.
garments worn next to the skin and beneath outer clothing for hygiene, comfort, or support. Uncountable in all standard contexts.
ExampleShe packed enough clean underwear for the entire week-long trip.
ExampleThe athlete chose moisture-wicking underwear to prevent chafing during the marathon, as standard cotton garments proved unsuitable for high-intensity endurance sports.
UsageThis is an uncountable noun; use 'some underwear' or 'a pair of underpants' instead of 'an underwear'.
- underclothes
- undergarments
- lingerie
- outerwear
PitfallI need to buy some new underwears.I need to buy some new underwear.Underwear is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form with 's'.
From under- + -wear. Compare Dutch ondergoed, German Unterwäsche, Swedish underkläder.