Definition

Noun: 1. A protective garment: A firm, rounded pad designed to be worn over the shoulder, typically as part of a uniform or outfit, to provide protection, structure, or a specific silhouette. * In sports, it is worn by athletes in contact sports like American football or hockey to absorb impact and prevent injury to the shoulder joint. * In fashion, it is a padding inserted into the shoulders of a garment, such as a jacket, blazer, or dress, to alter the garment's shape and create a broader, more squared shoulder line.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The linebacker adjusted his shoulder pad before the crucial play.
  • Her blazer has subtle shoulder pads that give it a classic, powerful silhouette.
  • After the hit, the trainer checked the player's shoulder pad for damage.

Advanced Usage

• "to shoulder-pad" (verb, rare/informal): To add shoulder pads to a garment.
  • She decided to shoulder-pad the vintage jacket to update its look.

Variants and Related Words

• Padding (n): The soft material used for protection or shaping; shoulder pads are a type of padding.
• Epaulet (n): A decorative shoulder piece on a uniform, often fringed, which may sometimes include padding but serves a primarily ornamental or rank-denoting function, unlike a functional shoulder pad.

Synonyms

• Protector (in the sporting context)
• Padding
• Wadding (referring to the material inside)

Related Phrases

• Broad shoulders: This phrase can refer literally to a person's anatomy or figuratively to their ability to handle responsibility. Fashion shoulder pads are designed to create the appearance of broad shoulders.
• Padded shoulders: A descriptive term for clothing that features shoulder pads.

Noun

1. protective garment consisting of a hard rounded pad worn by football players to protect their shoulders