brassiere

noun

bras·​siere brə-ˈzir How to pronounce brassiere (audio)
 also  ˌbra-sē-ˈer
: a woman's undergarment to cover and support the breasts

Examples of brassiere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If there was a third hand available, it should also be pointed out that the Apollo suits were made by International Latex Corporation, which brought the company's experience making brassieres and girdles to the problem of making space suits out of latex and specialized textiles. David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024 The aqua push-up brassiere is handset with nearly 3,400 precious gems, including 142 carats of white and yellow diamonds, pearls, faceted citrines and aquamarines, all set in 18-karat white and yellow gold. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024 The ensemble includes seven pieces from Industrial Light & Magic chief sculptor Richard Miller’s collection–a bikini brassiere, bikini plates, hip rings, an armlet and bracelet. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 27 July 2024 Sticks of dynamite are tossed back and forth, Jerry uses a brassiere as a parachute, and the score offers an enjoyable mix of patriotic anthems. 68. Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brassiere 

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French brassière bodice, from Old French braciere arm protector, from bras arm — more at bracelet

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brassiere was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near brassiere

Cite this Entry

“Brassiere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brassiere. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

brassiere

noun
bras·​siere brə-ˈzi(ə)r How to pronounce brassiere (audio)
 also  ˌbras-ē-ˈe(ə)r
: a woman's close-fitting undergarment to cover and support the breasts
Etymology

from obsolete French brassière "bodice," from early French braciere "arm protector," from bras "arm," from Latin bracchium (same meaning) — related to brace, bracelet

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