undershirt
undershirt Lexical Profile
undershirt Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A collarless and typically sleeveless or short-sleeved undergarment worn beneath a shirt to absorb sweat, protect outer clothing from body oils, or provide additional warmth.
"He wore a crisp white dress shirt over his undershirt to ensure a neat appearance during the job interview."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, an 'undershirt' is typically worn beneath a primary shirt for warmth or sweat absorption, whereas the same garment is often called a 'vest' in British English and a 'singlet' in Australian English.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in English in the late 19th century, formed by combining the prefix 'under-' (meaning beneath) and the noun 'shirt', indicating its intended function as a foundational layer of clothing.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.