pullover

American  

[pool-oh-ver] / ˈpʊlˌoʊ vər /

noun

1. Also called slipover.  a garment, especially a sweater, that must be drawn over the head to be put on.

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adjective

1. designed to be put on by being drawn over the head.

pullover British  

/ ˈpʊlˌəʊvə /

noun

1. a garment, esp a sweater, that is pulled on over the head

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Etymology

Origin of pullover

First recorded in 1870–75; noun, adj. use of verb phrase pull over

Explanation

A pullover is a sweater or sweatshirt that you put on over your head. Don't forget your wool pullover — it's cold outside! You can refer to a jacket as a pullover if you put it on by pulling it over your head, rather than zipping or buttoning it up. The same goes for any other garment, no matter its materials. Pulling it on over your head makes it qualify as a pullover. Originally, a pullover was a type of shoe, and today it's still the name for a shoe prototype, a sample used by shoemakers to check the fit.

Example Sentences

When Kyle and his brother acquired some Ford and Chevrolet dealerships two years ago, Randy refused to wear the new family-branded pullover that also bore the logos of Chrysler’s longtime rivals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Perennially tan with silver hair, deep blue eyes and a body-sculpted physique, he dressed in fitted T-shirts or pullover sweaters more often than a shirt and tie.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025

For years, I’d eaten one after almost every figure skating practice, usually sitting in the front seat of the car still sweating through a fleece pullover.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2025

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz put a pullover over his suit; "a sign he's in it for the long haul," an EU diplomat told me.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2023

I wore a black skirt with a matching hooded pullover.

From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

Related Words

• blouse
• jersey
• tunic
• turtleneck