Definition

1. Noun (plural)
   • A close-fitting, stretchy garment, typically made of knitted fabric, that covers the body from the waist to the toes. They are worn for activities like dance, gymnastics, and exercise, or as a fashion item or undergarment.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She wore black tights under her skirt for warmth.
  • The ballet dancers' pink tights are part of their standard uniform.
  • I need to buy a new pair of tights; these have a ladder in them.

Advanced Usage

• "A pair of tights": The standard collocation for referring to one unit of this garment.
  • She packed two pairs of tights for her trip.
• In theatrical or performance contexts, "tights" can refer specifically to the flesh-colored or character-specific hose worn as part of a costume.
  • The actor's medieval costume included woolen tights.

Variants and Related Words

• Leggings (n): A similar, close-fitting garment that covers the legs and hips but typically does not have feet. They are often thicker and worn as outerwear.
  • She wore leggings and a long sweater to the cafe.
• Pantyhose (n, AmE) / Tights (n, BrE): In American English, "pantyhose" often refers to sheer nylon tights, while "tights" implies a more opaque, heavier material. In British English, "tights" is the general term.
• Hose (n, archaic/formal): A historical term for close-fitting leg coverings.

Synonyms

• Hosiery: A more general term for various kinds of knitted legwear, including tights, stockings, and socks.
• Stockings: Individual close-fitting coverings for each leg, typically held up by a garter or suspender belt, as opposed to the single garment covering both legs and the waist that tights are.

Notes on Meaning

• The word is almost always used in the plural form ("tights") even when referring to a single item, similar to "pants" or "scissors."
• The primary meaning involves a single garment unifying the functions of stockings and panties. The reference to "skintight knit hose... worn by acrobats and dancers" highlights a classic, functional use, while the phrase "as stockings by women and girls" reflects a common everyday fashion and practical use for warmth or style.

Noun

1. skintight knit hose covering the body from the waist to the feet worn by acrobats and dancers and as stockings by women and girls