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Definition of scanties

scanties

/ˈskæn.tiz/
scan · ties
Adverb:scantily
•
Plural:scanties
•
Adjective:scanty
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scanties Lexical Profile

scanties Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Brief or minimal underpants worn by women (used as a plural noun; informal and somewhat dated).

Example

"The vintage department store catalog from the 1930s featured an entire page advertising silk scanties."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scanties
Antonyms
View all antonyms for scanties

Word Nuance & Usage

'Scanties' is a plural-only noun (plurale tantum) that takes a plural verb and is used informally or humorously to refer to a single pair of brief women's underpants.

• Rhymes for scanties

• Nearby Words

scannable
scanner
scant
scanties
scantily
scantiness
scantness

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1920s from the adjective 'scanty' (meaning brief or minimal, ultimately from Old Norse 'skamt'), formed on the model of 'panties'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scanties. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scanties
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