camisole
C1The word belongs to a semi-formal register, common in fashion contexts, women's clothing descriptions, and lingerie terminology. It is less frequent in everyday conversation outside these specific domains.
Definition
Meaning
A woman's short, sleeveless undergarment for the upper body, typically worn under sheer clothing or as sleepwear.
In fashion, a camisole can also refer to a similar style of top intended to be worn as outerwear, often made of delicate fabrics like silk or satin, sometimes with lace trimming. Historically, it was a type of sleeveless jacket worn by men.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes an undergarment, but through semantic broadening (particularly in fashion journalism and retail), it can refer to a standalone top. The core semantic feature is its sleevelessness and typical shoulder straps.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term is standard in both varieties for the garment. In the UK, one might occasionally encounter the older term 'vest' used informally for a simple, plain camisole, whereas in the US, 'tank top' or 'undershirt' might be used for similar basic styles, but 'camisole' specifically connotes a more feminine, often delicate garment.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of femininity, underwear, and delicate fashion. In US fashion retail, 'camisole' is very common for both lingerie and layering tops. In the UK, it is firmly established but may be perceived as slightly more formal or specific than 'vest'.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in fashion/lifestyle contexts in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of 'camisole' as a layering staple in women's fashion vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She wore a [Adjective] camisole under her [Noun].A camisole made of [Material] is perfect for [Purpose].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not typically used in idioms.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail, fashion manufacturing, and e-commerce product descriptions (e.g., 'Our summer collection features silk camisoles in pastel hues.').
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies of fashion and dress (e.g., 'The evolution of the camisole from 18th-century menswear to modern lingerie.').
Everyday
Used when discussing clothing, underwear, sleepwear, or fashion advice (e.g., 'I need a new camisole to wear under this sheer blouse.').
Technical
Used in pattern-making, textile, and lingerie design specifications, detailing strap width, cup construction (if applicable), and fabric composition.
Examples
By Part of Speech
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 a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a pink camisole.
- On hot nights, I prefer to sleep in a cotton camisole.
- The sheer blouse required a nude camisole to be worn underneath for modesty.
- Her tailored suit was softened by the glimpse of a lace-trimmed silk camisole beneath the jacket.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CAMera' focusing on 'ISO' (sensitivity) and 'LOVE' – a 'camisole' is a sensitive, loved item of delicate clothing close to the skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CAMISOLE IS A LAYER (of clothing, of protection/modesty, of style).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'майка' (tank top/vest), which is more casual and unisex. 'Camisole' is more specifically feminine and often delicate. The closer equivalent is 'камизоль' (a direct borrowing) or 'топ на бретелях'.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈkæmɪsoʊl/ (correct) vs. /kæmɪˈsoʊl/ (incorrect stress).
- Using 'camisole' to describe a man's undershirt.
- Confusing it with a 'chemise', which is typically a longer, slip-like garment.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'camisole' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while traditionally an undergarment, the term is now also used for fashionable tops (camisole tops) designed to be worn as outerwear, often in layered outfits.
A camisole is typically made from softer, more delicate fabrics (silk, satin, lace) and is cut in a more feminine style, often with thinner straps. A tank top is generally a casual, unisex garment made of sturdier material like cotton jersey.
Historically, yes (as a type of jacket). In modern usage, 'camisole' almost exclusively refers to women's clothing. A similar garment for men would be called a sleeveless undershirt or tank top.
In British English: /ˈkamɪsəʊl/ (KAM-i-sohl). In American English: /ˈkæmɪsoʊl/ (KAM-i-sohl). The primary difference is the vowel in the first syllable and the final 'l' sound.