lingerie

noun

lin·​ge·​rie ˌlän-jə-ˈrā How to pronounce lingerie (audio) ˌläⁿ-zhə- How to pronounce lingerie (audio)
-ˈrē;
ˈlaⁿ-zhə-(ˌ)rē, 
ˈlän-jə-, 
ˈläⁿ-zhə-, 
-ˌrā
Synonyms of lingerienext
1
: women's intimate apparel
2
archaic : linen articles or garments
lingerie adjective

Examples of lingerie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fitted in a two-piece purple and black lingerie-style attire with matching fishnets and high heels, Doja Cat moved a mile a minute, only taking a break near the end of the show to take in the roaring crowd. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 Ester Manas’s collection was the result of a collaboration with Belgian heritage lingerie house PrimaDonna. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026 They’re then forced to compete in a beauty pageant, wearing lingerie and swimsuits, which Galán considers to be the ultimate motivator. — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026 Unlike a sheer dress or exposed lingerie layered beneath another garment, there was little ambiguity about what was functioning as Tyla’s top. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lingerie

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from linge linen, from Latin lineus made of linen — more at line

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lingerie was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lingerie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lingerie. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: women's nightclothes or underwear
Etymology

French, derived from early French linge "linen"

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