sports bra: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal, technical (in sport/fashion contexts)
Quick answer
What does “sports bra” mean?
A supportive bra designed to minimize breast movement during physical exercise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A supportive bra designed to minimize breast movement during physical exercise.
A specialised undergarment, often made from elastic, moisture-wicking fabrics, providing compression or encapsulation to support the breasts during sports and high-impact activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the same term. Spelling remains consistent as a compound noun.
Connotations
Identical functional connotations. In marketing, UK may slightly more often use 'sports bra' as a discrete category, while US may integrate it more into 'activewear' or 'athleisure'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to the global nature of sportswear marketing and retail.
Grammar
How to Use “sports bra” in a Sentence
VERB + sports bra: wear/put on/need/buy/wash a sports braADJECTIVE + sports bra: supportive/high-impact/running sports braPREP + sports bra: in a sports bra/without a sports braVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sports bra” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She always sports a high-impact bra for her runs.
American English
- You should sport a good sports bra for this workout.
adverb
British English
- She ran sports-bra confidently through the park.
American English
- The term is used sports-bra specifically in catalogs.
adjective
British English
- The sports-bra technology has improved vastly.
American English
- She looked for sports-bra reviews online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail, marketing, and product development for sportswear and lingerie companies.
Academic
In studies related to sports science, biomechanics (breast motion), textile engineering, or women's health.
Everyday
Common in conversations about gym routines, shopping for workout clothes, or preparing for exercise.
Technical
Used by fitness professionals, physiotherapists, and in product specifications detailing support levels (e.g., low/medium/high-impact).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sports bra”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sports bra”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sports bra”
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'sports bras' (correct), not 'sport bra' or 'sport's bra'.
- Using it to describe any casual bra without a sports function.
- Misspelling as one word: 'sportsbra' (less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as two words: 'sports bra'. The hyphenated form 'sports-bra' is sometimes used attributively (before a noun, e.g., sports-bra design) but is less common.
While traditionally marketed to women, garments with similar construction and function (compression tops) are used by men, especially in certain sports or for medical reasons (e.g., gynecomastia). They are not typically referred to as 'sports bras' in common parlance for men.
A sports bra is specifically engineered with features like wider straps, more secure fastenings, encapsulation or compression cups, and moisture-wicking fabric to limit breast movement and provide comfort during physical activity. A regular bra prioritises shape, style, and everyday comfort.
Yes, recommendations vary by impact level. Low-impact sports (e.g., yoga) require less support than high-impact sports (e.g., running). Many sports bras are rated for low, medium, or high impact.
A supportive bra designed to minimize breast movement during physical exercise.
Sports bra is usually informal, technical (in sport/fashion contexts) in register.
Sports bra: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːts ˌbrɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːrts ˌbrɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical/functional term, not idiomatic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SPORTS require SUPPORT. BRA provides support. A SPORTS BRA is the support for sports.
Conceptual Metaphor
FUNCTIONAL ARMOUR (it protects and supports the body during the 'battle' of exercise).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a sports bra?