Definition

Noun: 1. Tights for dancers or gymnasts: A close-fitting, often knitted, one-piece garment covering the torso and legs, worn for dance, gymnastics, or other athletic activities. 2. A woman's one-piece bathing suit: A one-piece swimsuit for women, typically form-fitting.

Usage Examples

• As tights for dancers:
  • The ballet dancers wore black maillots and leotards for their rehearsal.
  • Her maillot was perfectly matched to her skin tone for the performance.
• As a one-piece swimsuit:
  • She chose a elegant, navy blue maillot for her swim at the pool.
  • The vintage-style maillot had a flattering cut and a subtle pattern.

Advanced Usage

• The term maillot is often used in the context of professional dancewear, fashion, and vintage swimwear to denote a classic, sleek style.
• In French, the source language, has broader meanings including a jersey or sports shirt, but in English, its use is specialized to the two definitions above.

Variants and Related Words

• Leotard (noun): A similar close-fitting, one-piece garment covering the torso but not the legs, often worn for dance or exercise. A typically includes the legs, while a leotard does not.
• Unitard (noun): A close-fitting, one-piece garment covering the torso, arms, and legs.

Synonyms

• For sense 1 (tights): dance tights, body tights, full-length tights.
• For sense 2 (swimsuit): one-piece (swimsuit), bathing suit, swimsuit.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings of maillot are distinct but related by the garment's form-fitting, one-piece nature. Context (dance studio vs. beach or pool) almost always clarifies which meaning is intended.

Noun

1. tights for dancers or gymnasts
2. a woman's one-piece bathing suit