pantsuit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; primarily written and spoken in fashion, business, and historical/political contexts.
Quick answer
What does “pantsuit” mean?
A woman's formal outfit consisting of a tailored jacket and matching trousers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman's formal outfit consisting of a tailored jacket and matching trousers.
A two-piece garment for professional or formal wear where both the jacket and trousers are made from the same fabric, historically significant as a symbol of women entering professional spheres traditionally dominated by men.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but 'trouser suit' is a common British alternative. American English uses 'pantsuit' almost exclusively. The spelling 'pant suit' (two words) is an occasional variant, but 'pantsuit' is standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of professionalism, power, and feminism. In recent political discourse (especially US), it became strongly associated with specific political figures (e.g., Hillary Clinton).
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the cultural/political prominence there. In British English, 'trouser suit' or simply 'suit' (context-dependent) may be more common in everyday fashion discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “pantsuit” in a Sentence
[Subject] wore a [Adjective] pantsuit to the [Event].The [Adjective] pantsuit became a [Cultural Symbol].She chose a pantsuit for its [Quality].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pantsuit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was pantsuited and ready for the board meeting.
- The candidate pantsuited her way through the campaign.
American English
- She pantsuited up for the interview.
- The senator is known for pantsuiting at major events.
adjective
British English
- The pantsuit revolution changed office dress codes.
- She has a very pantsuit-heavy wardrobe.
American English
- It was a pantsuit moment in feminist history.
- Her style is classic and pantsuit-oriented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard attire for formal meetings, presentations, or client interactions; conveys authority and professionalism.
Academic
Used in gender studies, sociology, and fashion history to discuss women's roles, workplace attire, and cultural symbols.
Everyday
Used when describing formal event attire or shopping for professional clothing.
Technical
In fashion design/retail, refers to a specific garment category with defined proportions and construction techniques for jackets and trousers cut from the same cloth.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pantsuit”
- Using 'pantsuit' to refer to casual trousers and a top.
- Incorrectly capitalising it (unless part of a proper name like 'Pantsuit Nation').
- Misspelling as 'pant suit' (though this variant exists, 'pantsuit' is the consolidated form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard consolidated spelling is 'pantsuit' (one word), though 'pant suit' is a less common variant.
Typically no. 'Pantsuit' is a gendered term specifically for women's attire. The equivalent for men is simply a 'suit'.
A pantsuit is a coordinated set made from the same fabric and designed as a single outfit. A blazer with trousers are separates, which may or may not match and are often less formal.
They gained significant social and workplace acceptance in the Western world during the 1960s and 1970s, linked to the women's liberation movement, though they faced resistance in formal settings for years after.
A woman's formal outfit consisting of a tailored jacket and matching trousers.
Pantsuit is usually formal to neutral; primarily written and spoken in fashion, business, and historical/political contexts. in register.
Pantsuit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpænt.suːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpænt.sut/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pantsuit Nation (a political movement/social media group)”
- “The pantsuit effect (referring to its symbolic power)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PANTS + SUIT = A suit where the bottom half is pants, not a skirt. It's a suit for pants.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARMOR (for the modern professional woman); a UNIFORM (of authority and equality).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'pantsuit' in a formal British context?