sunsuit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “sunsuit” mean?
A one-piece garment, typically for a baby or young child, designed for warm weather or sunbathing, often consisting of shorts and a top.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A one-piece garment, typically for a baby or young child, designed for warm weather or sunbathing, often consisting of shorts and a top.
A lightweight, casual outfit worn in sunny weather, historically also referring to a similar garment for adults, though now primarily associated with children's wear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is somewhat archaic. No significant spelling or definition differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a bygone era of childhood (1950s-1970s). It may sound quaint or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary use in both regions. More likely to be encountered in historical contexts or by older speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “sunsuit” in a Sentence
[Subject] wore a sunsuit.[Possessive] sunsuit was dirty.She put the baby in a sunsuit.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical contexts of fashion retail.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or cultural studies of fashion.
Everyday
Low frequency, used by older generations or in nostalgic conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunsuit”
- Using it to refer to adult beachwear.
- Confusing it with a 'swimsuit' or 'bikini'.
- Using it in a modern context without a nostalgic tone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sunsuit is a lightweight outfit for playing in the sun, often for children. It is not designed for swimming, though it might be worn near water.
It is very rarely used in modern English. You are more likely to hear 'romper' or 'playsuit' for similar garments today.
Historically, the term was sometimes used for adult beachwear, but in contemporary understanding, it is almost exclusively associated with children's clothing.
Its primary purpose is to be a comfortable, cool, and often cute outfit for a child to wear in warm, sunny weather.
A one-piece garment, typically for a baby or young child, designed for warm weather or sunbathing, often consisting of shorts and a top.
Sunsuit is usually informal, somewhat dated in register.
Sunsuit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnsuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnsut/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUIT for the SUN. A baby's outfit for sunny days.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS PROTECTION (from the sun).
Practice
Quiz
A 'sunsuit' is most specifically associated with: