bodysuit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, leaning slightly informal. Common in fashion, retail, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bodysuit” mean?
A tight-fitting one-piece garment for the torso, often covering from the shoulders to the crotch, designed to be worn as an undergarment or as outerwear, frequently fastening between the legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tight-fitting one-piece garment for the torso, often covering from the shoulders to the crotch, designed to be worn as an undergarment or as outerwear, frequently fastening between the legs.
In contexts like baby clothing or dancewear, it can refer to a simple one-piece outfit. In motorsport or motorsports, a one-piece protective garment worn by drivers is also called a racing suit or occasionally a fireproof bodysuit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties. In UK fashion/lingerie contexts, it may be more commonly called a 'body' (e.g., a M&S body). In the US, 'bodysuit' is the dominant term; 'body' alone is less common for this meaning.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of fashion, shapewear, or practical base layers. No strong negative/positive difference.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to its unambiguous nature. In UK English, 'body' as a short form competes, making 'bodysuit' sometimes used for clarity.
Grammar
How to Use “bodysuit” in a Sentence
She wore a [Adjective] bodysuit.The bodysuit [Verb e.g., fastened, smoothed, layered] perfectly.It's a bodysuit made of [Material].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bodysuit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail, fashion design, and manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'Our spring line features several new bodysuits').
Academic
Rare, except in fashion history or cultural studies discussing clothing trends.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, shopping, or getting dressed (e.g., 'I need a new black bodysuit to wear under that blazer').
Technical
In textile or garment technology, referring to specific construction, fastenings, and materials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bodysuit”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bodysuit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bodysuit”
- Confusing it with a 'lectard' (which is for dance and doesn't fasten at the crotch). Using it to describe a baby's full outfit with legs (usually 'onesie' or 'sleepsuit' in UK).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bodysuit typically has fasteners (snaps) at the crotch for easy use with trousers or skirts. A leotard, used primarily in dance or gymnastics, does not have this fastening and is often worn alone or with tights.
Yes. While historically and currently more marketed towards women, bodysuits are also worn by men, particularly as shapewear, base layers for sports, or in performance and fashion contexts (e.g., dancers, stage performers).
Not exactly. For babies, the terms can overlap. For adults, a 'onesie' is usually a loose, comfortable, one-piece garment often with long sleeves and legs, resembling sleepwear. A 'bodysuit' is form-fitting and typically covers only the torso, fastening at the crotch.
In American English, it's pronounced /ˈbɑː.di.suːt/, with the first syllable 'bod' rhyming with 'cod' and a clear 'ee' sound in the second syllable. The stress is on the first syllable.
A tight-fitting one-piece garment for the torso, often covering from the shoulders to the crotch, designed to be worn as an undergarment or as outerwear, frequently fastening between the legs.
Bodysuit is usually neutral, leaning slightly informal. common in fashion, retail, and everyday contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with 'bodysuit'. Figurative: 'a second skin' (similar concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a suit for your body. 'Body' + 'suit' = a suit that tightly covers the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SECOND SKIN (a bodysuit is a literal, tight-fitting 'skin').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'bodysuit' be LEAST appropriate?