What does miniskirt mean?
A miniskirt is a skirt that is notably shorter than a conventional knee-length or longer skirt, usually ending well above the knee. The term became especially prominent in the 1950s and 1960s, when designers including Mary Quant helped establish the miniskirt as a symbol of youthful, modern fashion. Since then, it has remained part of everyday clothing vocabulary, describing both a particular garment and a broader style featuring short skirts. In contemporary use, the word can sometimes sound dated, especially when referring to clothing inspired by the 1960s, although the garment itself remains familiar. “Short skirt” is the more neutral general expression, while “miniskirt” often carries fashion-history and cultural associations.
nounA very short skirt, typically ending well above the knee, especially one worn as a fashionable garment. The term is also used more generally for clothing featuring a short skirt.
- A very short skirt, especially one worn as a fashion item.
"She wore a black miniskirt with a fitted jacket."
"The miniskirt was paired with boots and a colorful sweater."
"The collection includes both tailored trousers and striking miniskirt designs."
The standard plural is “miniskirts.”
"The shop sells miniskirts in several colors and styles."
The miniskirt became a defining symbol of 1960s fashion, closely associated with designer Mary Quant and the era's youth culture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miniskirt come from?
“Miniskirt” was formed in the mid-20th century by combining the prefix mini-, meaning “small” or “very small,” with skirt. The prefix itself was popularized in English during the 1950s and 1960s as part of a wider fashion vocabulary that also included miniskirts, minidresses, and miniskirt suits. The word became especially associated with the shorter skirts popularized in the 1960s.
Related word forms
How miniskirt is actually used
The word is primarily a fashion term and can sound old-fashioned when used to describe present-day clothing. It may also be used more generally in discussions of short skirts, though it often carries a stronger association with 1960s fashion than the neutral phrase “short skirt.”