noun
brassiere
bruh-ZEER/brəˈzɪr/
An undergarment that supports the breasts.
The blue brassiere has shaped cups, shoulder straps, and a supporting back band.
Etymology
The French garment word had already been used for a woman's underbodice. English narrowed that upper-body garment sense to an undergarment specifically supporting the breasts.
In context
she formed a company called Maidenform in 1922 producing a brassiere with bust cups attached with elastic
More examples
- The brassiere has adjustable shoulder straps.
- The store sells brassieres in many sizes.
- A delicate brassiere requires gentle washing.
Forms
brassiere · brassieres
Similar words
- bra
- Bra is the usual shortened form of brassiere.