strapless

American

[strap-lis] / ˈstræp lɪs /

adjective

without a strap or straps.
designed and made without shoulder straps.

a strapless evening gown; a strapless bra.

strapless British

/ ˈstræplɪs /

adjective

(of a woman's formal dress, brassiere, etc) without straps over the shoulders

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of strapless

First recorded in 1840–50; strap + -less

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Black and white is a perennial favorite of the stars, and best actress nominee Rose Byrne embraced it, while also adopting the spring trend in a strapless black Dior gown covered in white blooms.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

In 2023, model Hailey Bieber was photographed en route to an event for her skin care brand in a red strapless dress with heels and a purse to match.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

The comedian started off the night wearing a strapless metallic dress on the red carpet before switching to a halter neck silver sequined gown to kick the ceremony off.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2025

Camille A. Brown, who was nominated for best choreography for “Hell’s Kitchen,” held her feathered ivory strapless gown aloft as she tried to squeeze into a lounge area.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2024

She wore a flowing white strapless dress, and her matching white shawl flapped around her like wings in the ocean wind.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023