tank top
Definition
Noun: 1. A sleeveless, close-fitting upper-body garment, typically made of a stretchy fabric like cotton or jersey. It is characterized by wide shoulder straps, a low neckline (often a U-neck or scoop neck), and no front opening (it is pulled on over the head). It is commonly worn as casual wear, athletic wear, or as an undershirt.
Usage
A tank top is a simple, versatile piece of clothing. It is primarily worn in warm weather or during physical activity due to its sleeveless design. It can be a standalone item or worn layered under other shirts, blouses, or jackets.
Examples
- She wore a cotton tank top and shorts to the gym.
- On hot days, he prefers a simple tank top.
- The tank top was worn under a sheer blouse for a layered look.
Advanced Usage
- As a fashion layer: In fashion, a tank top can be used as a base layer to add texture or color under cardigans, blazers, or open shirts.
- Specific contexts: The term can specify the garment's purpose, e.g., "an athletic tank top" (made of moisture-wicking fabric) or a "fashion tank top" (made of silk or with decorative details).
Variants and Related Words
- Singlet (noun): A close synonym, more commonly used in British English and in the context of athletics or wrestling.
- Vest (noun): In British English, "vest" is the common term for what American English calls a "tank top." In American English, a "vest" is typically a sleeveless garment that buttons or zips down the front.
- A-shirt (noun): Another term, sometimes used interchangeably, though an "A-shirt" often specifically refers to a sleeveless undershirt with narrower straps (also called a "wifebeater" in slang, though this term is considered offensive).
Synonyms
- Sleeveless shirt
- Singlet (chiefly British, Australian)
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Tank: Informally, the word "tank" is sometimes used as a shortened form of "tank top."
- Example: "I'm just wearing a tank today; it's too hot for sleeves."
Noun
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a tight-fitting sleeveless shirt with wide shoulder straps and low neck and no front opening; often worn over a shirt or blouse
