plain clothes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “plain clothes” mean?
Ordinary civilian clothing, as opposed to a uniform or official garb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Ordinary civilian clothing, as opposed to a uniform or official garb.
Used particularly to describe police officers or other officials who are working while not wearing their official uniform in order to avoid detection or to blend in.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Both varieties use 'plain clothes' and the hyphenated adjectival form 'plain-clothes'. Usage is identical in context.
Connotations
Primarily associated with law enforcement, detectives, and undercover work. Carries connotations of discretion, surveillance, and covert operations.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “plain clothes” in a Sentence
[noun] in plain clothesa plain-clothes [noun (e.g., officer, detective, policeman)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plain clothes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Two plain-clothes detectives were observing the suspect.
- The operation involved a plain-clothes unit.
American English
- Plain-clothes officers made the arrest discreetly.
- She was part of a plain-clothes detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in security contexts or corporate espionage discussions.
Academic
Used in criminology, sociology, and law enforcement studies.
Everyday
Common in news reports, crime dramas, and general discussions about police work.
Technical
Standard term in police and security jargon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plain clothes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plain clothes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plain clothes”
- Using as a singular noun (e.g., 'a plain cloth'). It is always plural 'clothes'.
- Confusing with 'plain clothing' (simple garments).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural ('clothes' is always plural). You cannot say 'a plain cloth' in this sense. Example: 'They were dressed in plain clothes.'
'Undercover' implies a deeper, more secretive assumption of a false identity, often for a prolonged period. 'Plain clothes' simply means not wearing a uniform; an officer in plain clothes might still identify themselves as police immediately when taking action.
All forms are seen. 'Plain clothes' is standard as a noun phrase ('dressed in plain clothes'). 'Plain-clothes' (hyphenated) is standard when used as an adjective before a noun ('a plain-clothes officer'). 'Plainclothes' (one word) is a less common variant.
Yes, though less common. The term is most strongly associated with police. For military, phrases like 'in civilian clothes' or 'out of uniform' are more typical.
Ordinary civilian clothing, as opposed to a uniform or official garb.
Plain clothes is usually neutral to formal in register.
Plain clothes: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpleɪn ˈkləʊðz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpleɪn ˈkloʊðz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in plain clothes”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'plain' meaning ordinary or simple, and 'clothes' meaning garments. Put together, it's the ordinary clothes that hide an official's identity.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS DISGUISE / UNIFORMITY IS VISIBILITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of someone described as being 'in plain clothes'?