Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A type of short, tight-fitting underwear: "briefs" refers to a specific style of men's or women's undergarments that are characterized by their short length and snug fit, typically covering the buttocks and having an elastic waistband. The singular form "brief" is rarely used for this meaning.

Usage

• The word "briefs" is almost always used in its plural form to denote this single item of clothing.
• It is a common, everyday term for a basic style of underwear.
• Example:
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • She prefers to wear briefs under her dress.
  • The store sells a variety of colors in men's briefs.
  • He bought a new pack of white briefs.

Advanced Usage

• In commercial contexts: The term is often used with brand names, such as "Jockey briefs," to specify a product.
  • He only wears designer briefs.
• As a category: Used to distinguish this style from other types like "boxers" or "boxer briefs."
  • Do you prefer boxers or briefs?

Variants and Related Words

• Brief (noun, singular): While the singular is not standard for underwear, it exists in other contexts (e.g., a legal brief, a short report).
• Boxer briefs (noun, plural): A hybrid style combining the length of boxers with the snug fit of briefs.
• Panties (noun, plural): A general term for women's underwear, which can include styles similar to briefs.

Synonyms

• Underpants: A more general term for underwear.
• Undershorts: Another general term, often for men's underwear.
• Knickers (chiefly British): A term for women's underwear.

Related Phrases

• A pair of briefs: The standard phrasing to refer to one unit of this clothing item.
  • I need to buy a new pair of briefs.
• Tightie whities (slang, informal): A colloquial and sometimes humorous term for white cotton briefs.
  • He was teased for wearing tightie whities in the locker room.

Noun

1. short tight-fitting underpants (trade name Jockey shorts)