sweater
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /swˈɛtə/
US
- /ˈswɛtər/
Description
- Warm clothing
- Knitted garment
- Pullover or cardigan
- Winter essential
A sweater is a knitted garment worn for warmth, usually covering the upper body and arms. Think cozy nights by the fire, chilly autumn walks, or layering up on a cold winter day. They come in many styles, from thick cable knits to soft pullovers and cardigans.
The name "sweater" came from an older use of the garment by athletes, who wore heavy tops to make themselves sweat during exercise. Today, it is a common part of everyday clothing. You might wear one when it is cold, knit one as a hobby, or accidentally shrink a favorite one in the wash. "Sweater weather" is a popular phrase for pleasantly cool days that make this kind of clothing feel just right.
A sweater is a knitted garment designed to keep you warm and comfortable, typically worn on the upper body. While many people think of it as a winter essential, this piece of clothing has an interesting history. The word appeared in the late 1800s and first referred to heavy garments worn by athletes to make themselves sweat during exercise, which is quite different from the soft and stylish versions people wear now.
Over time, sweaters moved from practical athletic wear into everyday fashion. They come in many styles: pullovers, which go on over the head; cardigans, which open at the front with buttons or a zipper; turtlenecks, with high collars; and V-necks, with a V-shaped opening. Materials include wool, cashmere, cotton, and synthetic fibers, so they can feel thick and warm or light and breathable.
You can put on a sweater when you feel chilly, receive a hand-knitted one as a thoughtful gift, or layer one over a shirt on a cool morning. People also use the phrase "sweater weather" for the time of year when the air feels cool enough for this kind of clothing to be especially comfortable.
So whether you are dressing for warmth, choosing an outfit for comfort and style, or making one by hand, a sweater suggests softness, coziness, and everyday usefulness.
Examples
- 1
Getting dressed
She pulled on a sweater before we went outside.
- 2
Weather planning
Bring a light sweater in case it gets cool later.
- 3
Layering
He wore a thick wool sweater under his coat.
- 4
Lost item
I left my sweater in the classroom after lunch.
- 5
Family photo
My aunt sent the kids matching sweaters for the family photo.
- 6
Holiday clothing
Everyone laughed at Ben's bright Christmas sweater.
- 7
Seasonal weather
It's finally sweater weather.
Phrase
sweater weather
weather cool enough for a sweater
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sweaternoun
Forms
- sweaterspluralnoun