What does sleepshirt mean?
A sleepshirt is a loose, usually long shirt worn for sleeping or relaxing at home. It is especially common in North American English and is typically made from a soft, comfortable fabric such as cotton. The garment is closely related to a nightshirt, but “sleepshirt” is more specifically associated with sleepwear, whereas “nightshirt” may also refer to a more traditional long shirt worn at bedtime. A sleepshirt can be a simple undershirt, a loose top, or a shirt with buttons or a more decorative design, depending on its intended use. The word is useful when describing everyday clothing intended for private, comfortable moments rather than formal or public wear.
nounA loose, usually long shirt worn for sleeping or lounging, often made of cotton or another soft fabric.
- A loose, long shirt worn in bed or for sleeping.
"She put on a comfortable sleepshirt before going to bed."
"He changed into a striped sleepshirt and turned off the lights."
"The sleepshirt was made from soft cotton and had long sleeves."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The store sells sleepshirts in several colors and sizes."
The word makes clothing sound like a bedtime essential: a shirt designed not for public appearances but for the softer hours of the night.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sleepshirt come from?
“Sleepshirt” is a compound formed from “sleep” and “shirt,” both English words with older Germanic origins. “Sleep” developed within the Germanic family of languages, while “shirt” comes from Old English and originally referred to a shorter garment. In modern English, “sleepshirt” denotes a shirt intended for sleeping, although the exact form and popularity of the garment have varied over time.
How sleepshirt is actually used
Chiefly used in North America. It is an everyday word for a garment worn for sleep and is less formal than terms such as pajamas or sleepwear.
Easily confused with sleepshirt
A sleepshirt is a loose shirt intended for sleeping, while a nightshirt is a more formal long shirt worn with sleepwear or as a nightgown.