bikini
English meaning: Bikini
Definition
A brief two-piece bathing suit worn by women, especially one that exposes the midriff and navel.
Example
“She lay on the sand in a bright red bikini.”
Another example: “She bought a new bikini for the holiday in Spain.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and everyday; a brief two-piece women's swimsuit. Common in fashion, beach and leisure contexts. Named after Bikini Atoll. Related forms include 'tankini' and 'monokini'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Named in 1946 after Bikini Atoll, site of nuclear tests, the designer suggesting its 'explosive' effect.
Synonyms
- two-piece
- swimsuit
Related Words
- carwash
- atoll
- swimsuit
- waxing
- swimwear
- bloodbath
- fairing
- babes
- pubic
- navel
Common Collocations
- string bikini
- bikini top
- bikini bottoms
- wear a bikini
- bikini line
Word Forms
bikini (n); bikinis (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B