What does sleepwear mean?
Sleepwear is the general word for clothing worn to bed or while sleeping. It includes familiar garments such as pyjamas, nightgowns, dressing gowns, and sleep shirts, as well as sets designed specifically for sleep. The word is usually neutral and practical, often appearing in clothing descriptions, advertisements, and discussions of comfort. Unlike 'pajamas' or 'pyjamas', which usually name a particular loose two-piece outfit, 'sleepwear' is broader and can refer to one garment or to clothing collectively. It may also imply softness, ease, and a separation from ordinary daytime dress. A speaker might buy cotton sleepwear, describe a comfortable sleepwear set, or mention changing into sleepwear after work. The term is common in both British and American English, although the preferred spellings of the related term 'pyjamas' and 'pajamas' differ.
nounClothing worn for sleeping, especially a loose, comfortable garment or set of garments such as a nightshirt, top, and trousers. The word can refer collectively to sleep-related clothing or to a particular item of such clothing.
- Clothing worn for sleeping, especially comfortable or loose-fitting garments intended for bed or sleep.
- A collective term for a person's clothing worn while sleeping.
"She changed into comfortable sleepwear before going to bed."
"The shop sells lightweight sleepwear for warmer nights."
"He was still wearing his sleepwear when the unexpected guest arrived."
Usually an uncountable mass noun. Use 'a piece of sleepwear' or 'sleepwear items' when referring to separate garments.
"The store specializes in lightweight sleepwear for summer."
Sleepwear turns the boundary between getting dressed and going to bed into a ritual of comfort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sleepwear come from?
The word is a compound of 'sleep' and 'wear', combining the ideas of sleeping and clothing worn during sleep. The modern sense developed from the broader use of 'sleeping clothes' and was established in the language during the 19th century. Its components reflect ordinary English vocabulary: 'sleep' comes from Old English 'slǣpan' and 'slǣp', while 'wear' comes from Old English 'werian', meaning to put on clothing.
How sleepwear is actually used
Usually uncountable as a general category, though a speaker may say 'a sleepwear item' or 'a piece of sleepwear'. It is a neutral and commonly commercial term, and it may include nightgowns, pyjamas, dressing gowns, and other garments worn primarily for sleep.
Easily confused with sleepwear
Pajamas are a specific type of sleepwear, usually consisting of a top and trousers or shorts, while sleepwear is the broader category of clothing worn for sleeping.