bikini

noun

bi·​ki·​ni bə-ˈkē-nē How to pronounce bikini (audio)
plural bikinis
1
a
: a two-piece bathing suit worn by women that does not cover the midriff see also string bikini, tankini
b
: a short snug swimsuit worn by men
2
: a pair of low-cut briefs (see brief entry 2 sense 4)
Launched in May, the underwear brand for men and women includes bikinis, … G-strings and boxer briefs.Phyllis Furman
… ultra low-rise jeans with a built-in bikini or thong.Sunday Tribune (South Africa)
often used before another noun
Bikini briefs are usually lower than the true waist, often at the hips.Clifford Pugh
bikinied adjective
or less commonly bikini'd

Examples of bikini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Last year, the two doubled up on a Frankies Bikinis for Victoria’s Secret collection, which included a variety of one-piece swimsuits and bikinis, as well as a loungewear short and tank top set featuring details — including wings — and colors inspired by Victoria’s Secret. Deborah Belgum, WWD, 14 Aug. 2024 Out in the real world, shoppers have been searching for polka dot dresses and bikinis from brands like Reformation, J.Crew, and Réalisation Par. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 30 July 2024 Hilton wore a bright yellow bikini top and shorts with a beach print on them, accessorized with a matching pair of neon yellow sunglasses in the clip. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 28 July 2024 The ensemble includes seven pieces from Industrial Light & Magic chief sculptor Richard Miller’s collection–a bikini brassiere, bikini plates, hip rings, an armlet and bracelet. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for bikini 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bikini.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Bikini, atoll of the Marshall Islands

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bikini was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near bikini

Cite this Entry

“Bikini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bikini. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

bikini

noun
bi·​ki·​ni bə-ˈkē-nē How to pronounce bikini (audio)
: a scanty two-piece bathing suit for a girl or woman
Etymology

from French bikini "two-piece bathing suit," from Bikini, atoll in the Marshall Islands

Geographical Definition

Bikini

geographical name

Bi·​ki·​ni bi-ˈkē-nē How to pronounce Bikini (audio)
island (atoll) of the Marshall Islands

Note: Bikini was the site of U.S. atomic bomb tests in 1946 and hydrogen bomb tests in 1954 and 1956.

Bikinian noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bikini

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