bathing suit
High (everyday term in relevant contexts)Neutral (used in both casual and formal retail/travel contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A garment worn for swimming or sunbathing, typically consisting of pieces that cover the torso and sometimes the legs.
A general term for swimwear, encompassing one-piece suits, bikinis, tankinis, and trunks, used primarily in aquatic recreation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term emphasizes the purpose ('bathing') over the location ('swimming'), making it slightly more old-fashioned or formal than 'swimsuit' in some contexts. Can refer to both men's and women's garments, though for men, 'swim trunks' or 'swim shorts' are often more specific.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'swimming costume' is a common formal alternative, and 'swimsuit' is often used for women's styles. 'Bathing suit' is understood but can sound slightly American. For men, 'swimming trunks' is standard UK usage.
Connotations
In the UK, 'bathing suit' may evoke images of older, more conservative styles or seaside holidays from earlier decades. In the US, it's a standard, neutral term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English. In British English, 'swimsuit' or 'swimming costume' is generally more common, especially in retail.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + pack/wear/try on + a bathing suit.[Determiner] + bathing suit + [Verb] + [Adjective].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Birthday suit (humorous antonym, meaning naked)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail (e.g., 'Our summer collection features a new line of bathing suits.')
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, sociological, or design studies about fashion or leisure.
Everyday
Very common in travel and leisure contexts (e.g., 'Don't forget to pack your bathing suit for the holiday.').
Technical
Used in textile or product design regarding materials (e.g., chlorine-resistant fabrics for bathing suits).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is bathing in the sea.
American English
- He was bathing in the lake.
adjective
British English
- The bathing hut was crowded.
American English
- We reserved a bathing cabana.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a new bathing suit for my holiday.
- She bought a stylish one-piece bathing suit for her swimming lessons.
- The resort's policy requires proper bathing suits; beach shorts are not permitted in the main pool.
- The evolution of the bathing suit throughout the 20th century reflects broader societal changes in attitudes towards the body and leisure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'bath' – you wear a bathing suit for water activities, like taking a bath in a larger pool or sea.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A TOOL FOR AN ACTIVITY (a suit for the 'job' of bathing).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like 'купающий костюм' (nonsensical). The correct Russian equivalents are 'купальник' (typically for women) or 'плавки' (for men).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'bathingsuit' (should be two words).
- Using 'bath suit' (incorrect).
- Overusing for men's specific styles where 'swim trunks' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'bathing suit' used most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be a general term, but it is more commonly used for women's swimwear. For men, terms like 'swim trunks', 'board shorts', or 'men's swimsuit' are more specific and frequent.
They are largely synonymous in American English. 'Swimsuit' might be perceived as slightly more modern. In British English, 'swimsuit' is common, while 'bathing suit' can sound somewhat American or old-fashioned.
It is acceptable in professional contexts related to tourism, retail, or event planning (e.g., a hotel informing guests about pool attire). In most other business contexts, it would be irrelevant.
Historically, the term 'suit' referred to a set of garments (like a suit of clothes or a suit of armor). Early swimwear often consisted of a matching top and bottom, hence a 'suit' for bathing.