lingerie
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɒnʒərˌi/
US
- /ˈlɑnʒərˌeɪ/
Description
- women's underwear
- intimate apparel
- delicate underclothes
- sleepwear
Lingerie isn't just about what you wear under your clothes - it is often made to look beautiful too. The word comes from the French "linge," meaning linen, and it originally referred to underclothes in general. Today, it usually brings to mind soft fabrics like silk, lace, and satin, made into bras, panties, slips, chemises, and similar items.
While it once focused mainly on function, such as support or modesty, modern lingerie is also often chosen for style and feeling. You might see it in fashion magazines, hear it discussed as part of personal style, or find it sold as something special for comfort, confidence, or romance. It is important to note that this word is not always strongly sexual; comfortable everyday undergarments can also be included. Think of a well-made cotton bralette - that can be lingerie too.
Lingerie refers to a wide range of women's undergarments, intimate apparel, and sometimes sleepwear, often made with soft fabrics, careful design, and a focus on beauty as well as function. While the term once referred more broadly to underclothes in general, today it usually suggests more delicate or decorative items such as bras, panties, corsets, slips, chemises, teddies, negligees, and similar pieces.
The word comes from the French "linge," meaning linen, which was a common material for undergarments in earlier times. Over the years, it shifted from purely practical clothing meant for modesty and support to items that are also chosen for beauty, comfort, and confidence.
Context matters when using this word. It often appears in conversations about fashion, beauty, shopping, or personal style. You might read about "designer lingerie" in a magazine, see it in a film as part of a character's image, or hear it used to describe someone's taste in clothing.
However, the term can carry ideas of sexuality and intimacy. Although it is not automatically sexual, it is often linked with romance and attraction. It is best to use the word respectfully and to think about your audience. It is also worth noting that it does not only describe very revealing items; comfortable, well-made everyday undergarments can also be called lingerie, especially when they are designed with extra care or fine materials.
Examples
- 1
Shopping
She bought some new lingerie before her vacation.
Grammar
say "some lingerie" or "a lingerie set," not usually "a lingerie"
- 2
Store section
The store moved its lingerie section to the second floor.
- 3
Care instructions
Delicate lingerie should be washed by hand.
- 4
Clothing storage
She opened her lingerie drawer and looked for a clean bra.
- 5
Size range
The brand sells lingerie in a wider range of sizes.
- 6
Modeling
The model posed in black lingerie for the magazine.
Pattern
in lingerie
wearing lingerie
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lingerienoun