noun

brassiere

brassiere, bra

She bought a new lace brassiere.

She bought a new lace brassiere.

The museum displayed vintage brassieres from the 1920s.

The museum displayed vintage brassieres from the 1920s.

a brassiere a piece of women's underwear that supports the breasts She bought a new brassiere.

Synonyms: bra, bustier

From French 'brassière' (a bodice), from 'bras' (arm).

'Brassiere' is the full, formal word for 'bra'. Think of the French root 'bras' (arm) and how it 'embraces' or supports the body.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.