What does pullover mean?
A pullover is a garment, especially a knitted sweater or jersey, that is put on by pulling it over the head. The term is particularly common in British English, where it covers a sweater or jumper without suggesting a particular fabric, weight, or style. In North American English, pullover is also understood, but sweater is generally the more usual everyday term. Pullovers may be made from wool, cotton, cashmere, or synthetic fibres and can take the form of a plain crew neck, a heavier sweatshirt-style top, or a collared jersey. The word also commonly appears in clothing descriptions such as cashmere pullover or pullover sweater. Its transparent name reflects the garment's method of use: unlike a cardigan, it is not opened down the front and pulled over the head. It is therefore a useful general word when the speaker wants to emphasize the garment's construction rather than its colour, season, or material.
nounA garment, especially a knitted sweater or jersey, that is worn by pulling it over the head. In British English, it is a common general term for a sweater or jumper.
- A knitted sweater, jersey, or similar garment worn by pulling it over the head.
"She wore a soft woollen pullover over her shirt."
"He chose a lightweight pullover for the mild afternoon."
"The retailer described the classic crew-neck garment as a wool pullover."
The standard regular plural is used for individual garments; the plural form takes a singular or plural verb according to context.
"Several woollen pullovers are displayed in the shop window."
Its name gives away the simplest part of getting dressed: this sweater goes on by being pulled over the head.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pullover come from?
Pullover is an English compound formed from pull and over, referring to a garment pulled over the head. It came into general use during the 19th century; unlike many clothing names, its compound structure directly describes how it is worn.
How pullover is actually used
In British English, pullover is a familiar general term for a sweater or jumper. In North American English, sweater is more usual, while pullover is often used for a jersey, sweatshirt-style top, or a pullover sweater; in both varieties it usually denotes a garment without a row of buttons or a full-length zip.