lingerie
/ˈlɑn.ʒə.ɹi/
UK: /ˈlɒ̃ʒəɹi/
LⱭN · ʒə · ɹi (3 syllables)
English
Noun Top 11,956
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Definition
Underwear or nightclothes (typically women's), especially when lacy or designed to be seductive.
Etymology
Borrowed from French lingerie (“linen closet”). The irregular pronunciation is a hyperforeignism; it may derive from the frequent shift of /ɛ̃/ (which is this word's first vowel in standard French) toward /ɑ̃/ or [æ̃] in European French, which also tends to be drifted towards /ɔ̃/.
Example Sentences
- "Empire matinees in lingerie stuffs with trimmings of lace and embroidery are shown in great variety."
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