Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A type of close-fitting, one-piece garment, typically made of a stretchy knitted fabric, that covers the torso and legs, often extending from the shoulders to the ankles. They are primarily worn by dancers, acrobats, gymnasts, and other performers for practice or performance. Historically and in some contexts, they also refer to similar garments worn as stockings by women and girls.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The ballet dancers warmed up in their black leotards.
  • For her gymnastics routine, she wore a sequined leotard.
  • In the 1960s, leotards were sometimes worn as fashionable legwear.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in the plural form "leotards" even when referring to a single garment, though the singular "leotard" is also correct.
  • She pulled on her leotard before heading to the dance studio.
• In fashion or costume design, "leotard" can be the base garment for more elaborate outfits.
  • The superhero costume was built around a blue leotard.

Variants and Related Words

• Leotard (noun, singular): The singular form of the word.
• Unitard (noun): A similar, close-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the torso and legs, and usually the arms, distinguishing it from a leotard which typically does not have long sleeves as a standard feature.
• Bodysuit (noun): A similar, close-fitting garment, often fastening at the crotch, worn as casual or fashion attire, not necessarily for performance.

Synonyms

• Tights (Note: "Tights" are generally footed and opaque, while leotards are typically footless and can be opaque or sheer. They are closely related but not perfect synonyms.)
• Dancewear (a broader category that includes leotards).

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is a performance garment for activities requiring freedom of movement and showing body lines.
• The secondary, historical meaning refers to their use as stockings or legwear, which is less common in modern usage but important for understanding older texts or fashion history.

Noun

1. skintight knit hose covering the body from the waist to the feet worn by acrobats and dancers and as stockings by women and girls