brassiere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, or Archaic
Quick answer
What does “brassiere” mean?
A woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts.
The term primarily refers to the undergarment itself, with no significant extended meanings. Historically, it referred more generally to a bodice or a child's undergarment, but this usage is now archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical: both varieties prefer 'bra' overwhelmingly in everyday contexts. 'Brassiere' may be slightly more common in American technical/commercial writing (e.g., product catalogs), but the difference is marginal.
Connotations
In both regions, using 'brassiere' in casual conversation can sound overly formal, old-fashioned, or humorously euphemistic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in spontaneous speech for both. Higher frequency in written technical or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “brassiere” in a Sentence
wear a brassierefit someone for a brassieredesign of brassierefasten/unfasten a brassiereVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brassiere” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The specialist will brassiere the patient after the procedure. (extremely rare/technical)
American English
- The company brassiered its new line for maximum support. (invented, jargony)
adjective
British English
- The brassiere industry has seen significant innovation. (attributive noun)
American English
- She needed a brassiere fitting. (attributive noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product listings, patent documents, and technical descriptions within the lingerie industry.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or sociological studies of fashion and gender.
Everyday
Virtually never used; 'bra' is universal.
Technical
Used in medical contexts (e.g., post-surgical care, orthotics) and precise design/engineering contexts for the garment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brassiere”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brassiere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brassiere”
- Misspelling as 'brassière' (with accent) in English contexts, where it is typically unaccented.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈbrɑː.si.ər/ (like 'brass' + 'ier').
- Using it in casual conversation where 'bra' is expected, making the speaker sound stilted.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the original, formal term, but 'bra' is the universally accepted and preferred standard abbreviation in all but the most technical contexts.
In British English, it's typically /ˈbræs.i.ə/. In American English, it's commonly /brəˈzɪr/.
Languages often shorten longer, commonly used words. 'Bra' is quicker to say and became standardised in the mid-20th century.
Yes, many languages borrowed the French word (e.g., Japanese ブラジャー burajā, Spanish brasier). Its use varies in formality compared to the local equivalent.
A woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts.
Brassiere is usually formal, technical, or archaic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms directly use 'brassiere'; all common idioms use 'bra' (e.g., 'bra-burning').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a brass band (BRASS) that plays so loudly it needs extra support (IERE). A 'brassiere' provides support.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A FOUNDATION (the garment provides structural support).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the full word 'brassiere' MOST likely to be used today?