wet suit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to informal; technical within diving/surfing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “wet suit” mean?
A close-fitting garment made of neoprene rubber, worn by divers, surfers, or swimmers to retain body heat in cold water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close-fitting garment made of neoprene rubber, worn by divers, surfers, or swimmers to retain body heat in cold water.
Can refer specifically to a style of wetsuit (e.g., shortie, full-length) and, by extension, to the activity or context requiring its use (e.g., 'He's in his wetsuit').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling: 'wetsuit' (one word) is slightly more common in modern AmE publications; 'wet suit' (two words) is traditional and still frequent in BrE.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Associated with water sports, diving, surfing, and triathlons.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, given the global nature of the associated sports.
Grammar
How to Use “wet suit” in a Sentence
VERB + wet suit (wear, don, rent, buy)ADJECTIVE + wet suit (neoprene, full-length, shortie, thick, rented)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wet suit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was wetsuit-clad for the chilly swim.
American English
- She wetsuited up before hitting the waves.
adjective
British English
- We offer a wet-suit rental service.
American English
- I need a new wetsuit top.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail sales of water sports equipment.
Academic
In materials science discussing neoprene properties; in sports science regarding thermoregulation.
Everyday
Discussing plans for surfing, diving, or triathlon participation.
Technical
In diving manuals and surfing guides specifying suit thickness (e.g., 5mm wetsuit).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wet suit”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “wet suit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wet suit”
- Confusing 'wet suit' with 'dry suit' (which uses seals to keep water out).
- Using 'wet suit' for any waterproof clothing, like a raincoat.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Wetsuit' (one word) is more common in modern usage, especially in American English, while 'wet suit' (two words) is the traditional form.
A wet suit allows a thin layer of water to enter and be warmed by the body. A dry suit is sealed at the neck and wrists to keep the wearer completely dry, and is worn with insulating layers underneath.
Almost all modern wet suits are made from neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber that provides insulation and flexibility.
Yes, lighter 'shorty' or thin wet suits are often worn in moderately warm water to protect from wind chill, sunburn, or jellyfish stings, not just for warmth.
A close-fitting garment made of neoprene rubber, worn by divers, surfers, or swimmers to retain body heat in cold water.
Wet suit is usually neutral to informal; technical within diving/surfing contexts. in register.
Wet suit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwet ˌsuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwet ˌsuːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'wet suit']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You get WET in the water, and you wear a SUIT to do it. A WET SUIT.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE THAT MUST BE PROTECTED (from the cold).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a wet suit?