underwire
C1Informal, technical (lingerie/fashion), everyday (in context of clothing shopping).
Definition
Meaning
A thin, rigid, U-shaped wire sewn into the lower edge of a bra cup to provide lift and shape.
1. The specific structural component within a garment (typically a bra). 2. Referring to the style or support type of a bra (e.g., 'an underwire bra'). 3. (Less common) A wire used for support in any garment or structure, positioned beneath or within.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used as a noun in compound form ('underwire bra'). Can function attributively ('underwire support'). The term is almost exclusively associated with women's lingerie.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is identical in both dialects. Spelling follows standard national conventions for compound words (typically one word in both).
Connotations
Neutral/technical description of garment feature. In both cultures, can connote more structured support, potentially discomfort if poorly fitted.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English within the context of lingerie/fashion. General public familiarity is high.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[garment] + with + underwire[garment] + has + (an) underwiremade of + underwireVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail, manufacturing, and fashion industry contexts (e.g., 'The new line features seamless underwire technology').
Academic
Rare, except in material science, textile engineering, or design history papers.
Everyday
Common in conversations about clothing, shopping for bras, or discussing comfort (e.g., 'I prefer bras without an underwire for sleeping').
Technical
Specific to lingerie design, garment construction, and textile product specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She searched for a comfortable underwire style.
- The moulded underwire construction was innovative.
American English
- She needed a new underwire bra.
- The underwire design prevented chafing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This bra has an underwire.
- I need to buy a new underwire bra because the old one is uncomfortable.
- Some women find underwire bras provide better support for larger cup sizes.
- The lingerie brand patented a new flexible polymer underwire that adapts to the body's movement without breaking.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: UNDER the bust, there's a WIRE that provides support. It's 'under' + 'wire' literally.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A FOUNDATION (The underwire acts as a foundational framework for the structure above).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation like 'под проводом'. Use established calque 'андервайр' or descriptive 'косточка (в бюстгальтере)'.
- Note: 'косточка' (bone) is the common colloquial term, not a direct translation of 'wire'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'under wire' (two words). Standard is one word: 'underwire'.
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'This bra underwires well' is non-standard).
- Confusing with 'underwear' (a broader category).
Practice
Quiz
In which garment would you most likely find an underwire?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'underwire'.
No, it is not standard to use 'underwire' as a verb. It functions primarily as a noun or attributive adjective (e.g., underwire bra).
The underwire is designed to lift, shape, and provide structured support to the bust by following the natural contour beneath the breast.
Yes, wire-free or soft-cup bras use seaming, padding, or elasticated fabrics to provide support without a rigid wire.