Bras

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of garment designed to support and cover the breasts
2. a piece of clothing typically worn beneath outer garments to provide shape and comfort
3. a fashion item that can be decorative and functional, varying in styles and materials

Etymology: The word "bras" is the plural form of "bra," which emerged in English in the early 20th century as a shortened form of "brassiere." The term "brassiere" itself was borrowed from French, where it originally meant a type of armor or a piece of protective clothing for the arms. Over time, the meaning shifted in French to denote a supportive garment for women, specifically designed to cover and support the breasts. "Brassiere" entered English usage around the late 19th and early 20th centuries as women's fashion and undergarment design evolved. The word was adopted to describe a new style of intimate apparel that replaced the more restrictive corsets, offering a more comfortable and practical option for breast support. The French roots of the term come from "bracier," which means "armorer" or "armband," reflecting the garment’s function of support and protection, albeit now applied to the torso rather than the arms. The shortened form "bra" became popular in English by the 1930s, reflecting a trend toward simpler, more casual language in the naming of everyday objects. This clipped form quickly overtook the longer original in common usage, and its plural form "bras" naturally followed. The word’s evolution from a term associated with armor to one linked with feminine undergarments captures a shift from physical protection in battle to a form of personal support and comfort.

Synonyms: brassiere, undergarment, lingerie, bralette, crop top