long underwear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2informal, slightly dated
Quick answer
What does “long underwear” mean?
underwear that covers the torso and legs, typically thermal, worn in cold weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
underwear that covers the torso and legs, typically thermal, worn in cold weather
two-piece or one-piece undergarment extending to the ankles/wrists; sometimes refers to thermal base layers for outdoor activities
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'thermal underwear' or 'long johns' is more common; 'long underwear' is understood but sounds slightly American.
Connotations
In the UK, associated with elderly or very practical people; in the US, more neutral for cold-weather gear.
Frequency
Used significantly more in American English; in British English, it is recognised but less frequently used in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “long underwear” in a Sentence
wear (somebody) long underwearput on long underwearhave on long underwearVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long underwear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I might long-underwear myself before the hike.
American English
- He long-underweared for the ski trip.
adjective
British English
- He wore a long-underwear top under his shirt.
American English
- She bought a long-underwear set for winter camping.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in retail/outdoor clothing marketing.
Academic
Rare; could appear in historical or material culture studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing cold weather clothing preparations.
Technical
Used in outdoor/thermal clothing specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long underwear”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long underwear”
- Using 'long underwears' (non-count; 'a pair of long underwear' or just 'long underwear').
- Confusing with 'leggings' (which are outerwear).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it refers to the garment style for any gender, though historically associated with men.
'Long johns' is a common synonym, often more informal. 'Long underwear' is the more generic descriptive term.
Yes, though it's more commonly two-piece. The one-piece version is often specifically called a 'union suit'.
It is slightly dated in everyday UK English but remains standard in American English for describing thermal base layers.
underwear that covers the torso and legs, typically thermal, worn in cold weather.
Long underwear is usually informal, slightly dated in register.
Long underwear: in British English it is pronounced /lɒŋ ˈʌndəweə/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɔːŋ ˈʌndərwɛr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't get your long underwear in a knot (US, humorous variant of 'don't get your knickers in a twist')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LONG UNDERWEAR: L-Legs, O-Over, N-Neck, G-Garment + UNDER (beneath) + WEAR (clothing) = clothing worn underneath that covers legs and torso.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A LAYER (a layer of clothing protects from cold).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long underwear' most naturally used?