long johns
Definition
Noun 1. A type of warm underwear: A one-piece or two-piece garment, typically made of a warm, insulating material like wool or thermal fabric, designed to cover the torso and extend down the legs to the ankles. It is worn as a base layer under clothing for protection against cold weather.
Usage
Long johns is a plural noun, always used with a plural verb form. It refers to the garment as a single item of clothing. - These long johns are very warm. - I need to buy a new pair of long johns for winter. - He put on his long johns before going out into the snow.
Examples
- Basic Usage:
- When camping in the mountains, it's essential to pack your long johns.
- The classic red long johns are a popular choice for cold weather.
- Specifying Material/Purpose:
- She prefers silk long johns because they are less itchy.
- Thermal long johns are designed to wick moisture away from the skin.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used informally to describe any similar full-length thermal underwear, even if not traditionally styled.
- In some contexts, "long johns" can humorously refer to loose-fitting pajamas with long legs.
Variants and Related Words
- Long underwear: A more formal synonym.
- Thermal underwear / Thermals: Underwear designed specifically for heat retention; can be one-piece or two-piece.
- Union suit: A one-piece undergarment with a buttoned flap in the back, a historical precursor to modern long johns.
Synonyms
- Long underwear
- Thermal underwear
- Thermals (informal)
Related Phrases
- A pair of long johns: The standard collocation for referring to one set of this garment.
- To wear long johns: The standard verb collocation.
Noun
-
warm underwear with long legs
