bikini
noun
bi·ki·ni bə-ˈkē-nē 
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
Phyllis Furman… ultra low-rise jeans with a built-in bikini or thong. Sunday Tribune (South Africa)
—often used before another noun Sunday Tribune (South Africa) Bikini briefs are usually lower than the true waist, often at the hips. Clifford Pugh
Clifford Pugh bikinied adjective
or less commonly bikini'd
bə-ˈkē-nēd
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Archival images of the starlet showcase her wearing the piece in a variety of promotional images, either with T-shirts, bikini tops, or vampy corsets. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2022 In the patriotic photoshoot accompanying the interview, Kardashian sports all the staples of American fashion: from denim and leather to an American flag bikini and, well, her own ass. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2022 Any of the brand's breezy shoes can be styled with a bikini and oversized shirt (as seen on Nina Dobrev). Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2022 As if the hot, hot, hot swimwear weren't enough on its own, the bikini is reversible (two suits for the price of one!). Seventeen, 1 Sep. 2022 Brittany Castellano opted for this formula, sporting a white bikini style with green psychedelic-print pants. refinery29.com, 1 Sep. 2022 These aren't to be confused with beachy cover-ups, though there's nothing wrong with layering some very open fishnet over a bikini, long-sleeve shirt, or puddle pants. Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 31 Aug. 2022 Male surfers, too, are to blame for creating a culture of misogyny in the sport, in which bikini contests were often held during official pro surfing competitions. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 In an on-trend graphic pattern, this bikini has a supportive underwire top with pretty tulle illusion panels, adjustable straps and lace-up back detailing that can be worn a multitude of ways. Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Aug. 2022 See More
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2022 In the patriotic photoshoot accompanying the interview, Kardashian sports all the staples of American fashion: from denim and leather to an American flag bikini and, well, her own ass. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2022 Any of the brand's breezy shoes can be styled with a bikini and oversized shirt (as seen on Nina Dobrev). Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2022 As if the hot, hot, hot swimwear weren't enough on its own, the bikini is reversible (two suits for the price of one!). Seventeen, 1 Sep. 2022 Brittany Castellano opted for this formula, sporting a white bikini style with green psychedelic-print pants. refinery29.com, 1 Sep. 2022 These aren't to be confused with beachy cover-ups, though there's nothing wrong with layering some very open fishnet over a bikini, long-sleeve shirt, or puddle pants. Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 31 Aug. 2022 Male surfers, too, are to blame for creating a culture of misogyny in the sport, in which bikini contests were often held during official pro surfing competitions. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 In an on-trend graphic pattern, this bikini has a supportive underwire top with pretty tulle illusion panels, adjustable straps and lace-up back detailing that can be worn a multitude of ways. Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
French, from Bikini, atoll of the Marshall Islands
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing bikini
Geographical Definition
Bikini
geographical name
Bi·ki·ni bi-ˈkē-nē
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
bi-ˈkē-nē-ən
noun