tank top
C2informal
Definition
Meaning
A sleeveless upper-body garment, typically made of soft fabric, worn in warm weather or for athletic purposes.
The term can also refer to a sleeveless shirt worn as an undergarment or as a casual fashion item. In a fashion context, it's sometimes worn layered under shirts or jackets.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to casual wear or athletic wear. The 'tank' part refers to the shape, not to any connection with military vehicles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'tank top' is the standard term. In British English, 'vest' is commonly used for the same item, though 'tank top' is also understood.
Connotations
In the US, it's neutral, casual, and often athletic. In the UK, 'vest' is the default casual term; 'tank top' may sound slightly more fashion-conscious or American-influenced.
Frequency
'Tank top' is high-frequency in American English, common in the UK but less frequent than 'vest'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] wears a tank top.[Subject] is dressed in a tank top.A tank top [material/color/description].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tank top and flip-flops (denoting very casual summer attire)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used in formal business contexts unless describing casual dress codes.
Academic
Rare; might appear in texts on fashion, textiles, or cultural studies.
Everyday
Very common in descriptions of casual clothing, summer wear, and gym attire.
Technical
Used in fashion design, garment manufacturing, and retail product descriptions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She decided to tank-top it for the heatwave.
- He's tank-topping around the house.
American English
- She's just tank-topping today.
- I'm going to tank-top to the gym.
adjective
British English
- She has a great tank-top dress.
- It was a tank-top kind of day.
American English
- He rocked the tank-top look.
- The tank-top weather continued all week.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I wear a tank top when it is hot.
- She bought a blue tank top.
- He put on a cotton tank top before going for a run.
- In summer, many people prefer to wear tank tops.
- The dress code explicitly prohibited tank tops in the office.
- She layered a sheer blouse over her tank top for a more polished look.
- The athlete's sponsorship deal stipulated he wear the brand's tank top during all public appearances.
- The shift towards athleisure wear has made the tank top a staple in casual-professional hybrid wardrobes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the armholes being as large and open as the top of a water tank.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A CONTAINER (for the body); CASUALNESS IS LACK OF COVERING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'танк топ' (nonsense). The Russian equivalent is typically 'топ' or 'майка'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'tanks tops' instead of 'tank tops'. Confusing with 'camisole' (which is typically more feminine and lacy).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a common British English synonym for 'tank top'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A tank top is generally a simple, sleeveless shirt often made of jersey or cotton, worn by all genders. A camisole is typically a more delicate, often feminine undergarment or sleepwear, with thinner straps and sometimes lace.
Informally, yes, particularly in American English (e.g., 'I'm just tank-topping today'), but it's non-standard and very casual.
Generally, no, unless the workplace is extremely casual or related to fitness. It's considered informal summer or athletic wear.
The name likely comes from 'tank suit', an early 20th-century one-piece swimming costume. The top part of this suit resembled the modern sleeveless shirt.