bathers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal
Quick answer
What does “bathers” mean?
A garment worn for swimming or bathing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A garment worn for swimming or bathing.
Primarily a plural noun referring to a swimsuit or swimming costume. In some contexts, can refer to people who are bathing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British and Australian English, 'bathers' is a common term for a swimsuit. In American English, it is extremely rare and would likely be misunderstood; 'swimsuit', 'bathing suit', or 'swimwear' are used instead.
Connotations
In regions where it's used, it's a neutral, informal term with no particular connotations.
Frequency
Very frequent in Australian and some regional British English. Practically non-existent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “bathers” in a Sentence
Pack [POSSESSIVE] bathersWear [POSSESSIVE] bathersChange into bathersVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in specific dialects for casual planning or describing activities involving swimming.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bathers”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bathers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bathers”
- Using it in singular form ('a bather') to mean a swimsuit.
- Using it in American English contexts where it is not understood.
- Treating it as a countable singular noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a standard term in American English and is likely to cause confusion. Use 'swimsuit', 'bathing suit', or 'swimwear' instead.
It is a plural noun used to refer to a single item of clothing (a swimsuit). You say 'my bathers are' not 'my bathers is'.
They are largely synonymous in Australian English, though usage can be regional. 'Bathers' is also common in some parts of the UK.
Yes, but this is a different, less common meaning. The word 'bathers' (plural of 'bather') can mean 'people who are bathing', but the far more common meaning is the clothing.
A garment worn for swimming or bathing.
Bathers is usually informal in register.
Bathers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbeɪ.ðəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbeɪ.ðɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't forget your bathers and togs!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bathers' as the essential gear for 'bathing' in the sea or pool.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FOR A FUNCTION (Container for the activity of bathing).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'bathers' commonly used to mean 'swimsuit'?