What does shirtless mean?
Shirtless describes someone who has no shirt on or an action performed without a shirt. The word is especially common in descriptions of people on beaches, in swimming pools, at gyms, or during sports. It can sound purely factual, but it may also carry a slight implication of casualness, freedom, or informality. For example, a report might say that a player continued shirtless, while a more formal description might say that he competed bare-chested. As an adverb, shirtless usually follows a verb, as in “He ran shirtless.” The word is understood in both British and American English and is not restricted to a particular region. Although it can attract attention because the upper body is exposed, its literal meaning is straightforward and is often used without any special social or suggestive connotation.
Having no shirt on; bare-chested.
"The photograph showed a shirtless athlete celebrating her victory."
Common in descriptions of people, photographs, and situations involving a bare upper body.
Without wearing a shirt.
"He swam shirtless in the clear blue water."
Usually follows a verb of movement or activity, such as run, swim, or exercise.
Shirtless is an unusually literal word: it tells you exactly what someone is—or is not—wearing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shirtless come from?
Shirtless was formed in English by combining “shirt” with the suffix “-less,” meaning “without.” “Shirt” comes from Old English “scyrte,” an Old Germanic word for a garment worn on the body. The compound is transparent in meaning and is used both as an adjective and as an adverb.
Related word forms
How shirtless is actually used
The adjective is standard in everyday English. As an adverb, it commonly describes activities such as running, swimming, or exercising without a shirt.