Definition

Clothing that is worn beneath outer clothes, usually in direct contact with the skin.

Example

I bought some new underwear for the trip.

Conversation

I just bought some new underwear yesterday.

Oh really? What kind did you get?

They're really comfortable and breathable, perfect for summer.

Nice! It's always good to have fresh underwear.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underwear → It is formed from "under" (from Old English "under", meaning beneath or below) and "wear" (from Old English "werian", meaning to carry or to wear). The word "underwear" refers to clothing worn beneath outer garments.

Memory Tip

Think of clothing that is worn 'beneath' ('under') other clothes — that's what underwear means.

Visually Confused Words