bikini

¹

[ bih-kee-nee ]

noun

plural bikinis.

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

For the past five years, the comedian has stripped down to her bikini — and sometimes less — to ring in her birthday on the slopes.

From Los Angeles Times

But it soon sparked outrage among locals, politicians and religious leaders in Muslim-majority Kashmir after fashion publisher Elle India posted a video on social media which showed some models wearing underwear or bikinis.

From BBC

The film itself is a simple idea with the sensationalist impact of the very first bikini.

From Los Angeles Times

Leaving, I spotted Jon beside a woman with a tanned body, her bikini top overflowing with D cups above a toned belly.

From Los Angeles Times

It was here she discovered other female surfers felt the same as her, frustrated that women's surf magazines always pictured "women surfing in bikinis and in warm climates".

From BBC

Related Words

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