What does bra mean?
A bra is a close-fitting undergarment worn primarily by women to support and shape the breasts. It typically consists of two fabric cups connected by shoulder straps and an encircling band fastened at the back (or front) of the torso, often with underwires or elastic to improve support. The word is a shortening of the older French-derived term brassiere, which entered English in the early twentieth century as the garment replaced the corset in everyday wear. Bras are classified into many styles — sports bras, strapless bras, nursing bras, and more — each designed for different activities or outfits. Fitting matters: an ill-fitting bra can cause discomfort, so professional measurement is common practice. The word is informal but entirely standard in modern English, used freely in retail, medical, and everyday contexts, whereas brassiere survives mainly as a formal or dated alternative.
nounA bra is a woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts, typically consisting of two cups joined by straps and a band around the torso.
- A woman's undergarment with two cups and straps, worn to support the breasts.
"She bought a new bra in her correct size after being fitted at the store."
"She was measured properly and finally found a bra that fit comfortably."
"The department store stocks bras in every size from A-cup to K-cup."
Regular pluralization; note it is not spelled 'brae', which is a Scottish word for hillsides.
"The store's lingerie section displays hundreds of bras on rotating racks."
The word 'bra' is just a clipped form of 'brassiere' — and 'brassiere' itself comes from French, where it originally meant an arm protector or military breastplate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bra
Bra is a shortened form of brassiere, borrowed from French in the early twentieth century. The French word brassiere derives from Old French bracière, meaning an arm guard or breastplate worn over the chest, ultimately from Latin bracchium, meaning arm. The clipped form bra became dominant in English usage from around the mid-twentieth century onward.
Word family
Usage notes
Informal but fully standard in everyday speech; 'brassiere' is the older, more formal term and now sounds dated or euphemistic. Pluralized as 'bras' rather than 'brae'.
Don't confuse with
A brazier is a container for burning coal or wood, while a bra is an undergarment; the words sound nearly identical but share no meaning.