bikini

¹

[ bih-kee-nee ]

noun

, plural bi·ki·nis.

1. a very brief, close-fitting, two-piece bathing suit for women or girls.
2. a very brief, close-fitting pair of bathing trunks for men or boys.
3. Often bikinis. underwear briefs that are fitted low on the hip or below it.

Bikini

²

[ bih-kee-nee ]

noun

1. an atoll in the N Pacific, in the Marshall Islands: atomic bomb tests 1946. 3 sq. mi. (8 sq. km).

bikini

¹

/ bɪˈkiːnɪ /

noun

1. a woman's very brief two-piece swimming costume

Bikini

²

/ bɪˈkiːnɪ /

noun

1. an atoll in the N Pacific; one of the Marshall Islands: site of a US atomic-bomb test in 1946

Word History and Origins

Origin of bikini¹

1945–50; < French, apparently named after Bikini

Word History and Origins

Origin of bikini¹

C20: after Bikini atoll, from a comparison between the devastating effect of the atomic-bomb test and the effect caused by women wearing bikinis

Example Sentences

But walking around town now, it’s obvious that this is firmly Maga country – Trump-branded bikinis and hats are a common sight.

From BBC

Her provocative stage presence in a dazzling series of Paris by Night videos, her tight-fitting body suits and bikini tops, her bravado and sultry voice made the older generation gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

Here you can swim some of the finest beaches Orange County has to offer, so pack your bikini and swim trunks.

From Los Angeles Times

Serritella still wears high heels, performs in bikinis and posts videos of herself on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

She added that the head teacher later told her he could imagine her on the beach in a bikini, which she said made her feel "icky" and "uncomfortable".

From BBC

Related Words

• bra
• corset
• lingerie
• shorts
• undergarment
• underpants
• undershirt