Definition

Noun: 1. A single piece of underwear for women or children: The word "panty" is almost exclusively used in its plural form, "panties," to refer to a single pair or item of short, lightweight underpants. When used in the singular, "panty" typically functions as a modifier in compound terms. 2. (As a modifier): Used attributively to describe a type or style of underwear or related garment.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Singular, as a modifier):
  • She prefers a panty line that is invisible under clothing.
  • This style is a panty girdle.
• Noun (Plural form "panties" is standard):
  • She packed several pairs of panties for the trip.
  • The drawer was full of lace panties.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Grammatical Number: It is critical to note that "panty" is rarely used as a standalone singular noun to refer to one item. The standard term for one item is "a pair of panties" or, informally, "panties" can be treated as a singular ("this panty is..."), though "panties" is formally plural. The singular form "panty" is most naturally encountered in compound nouns.
• Register: The term is common in everyday speech and commercial contexts (e.g., clothing stores, catalogs). It is generally neutral but can be considered informal or intimate depending on the context.

Variants and Related Words

• Panties (n., pl.): The standard plural form meaning short underpants.
• Pantyhose (n., pl. but used with singular verb): A one-piece garment combining panties and stockings.
  • She wore pantyhose with her dress.
• Pantywaist (n., informal, dated): A derogatory term for a weak or cowardly person; historically, a child's undergarment.

Synonyms

• Underpants (more general, can be for any gender)
• Knickers (chiefly British)
• Briefs (can be for any gender; style-specific)
• Undies (informal)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• Get your panties in a twist/bunch (idiom, informal, often vulgar): To become overly upset, agitated, or angry about something.
  • Don't get your panties in a twist; it was just a minor mistake.

Noun

1. short underpants for women or children (usually used in the plural)