What does suit mean?
“Suit” is a versatile English word whose meanings range from clothing and legal proceedings to suitability and personal preference. A “suit of clothes” is a coordinated set, while a legal “suit” is a claim or action brought in court. The same word also refers to a formal request and to a category of playing cards. As a verb, to “suit” something means to make it appropriate or convenient for a person, purpose, or circumstance; to suit someone additionally means to please or attract them. These meanings make “suit” especially useful in discussions of fashion, law, personal taste, and practical design. Its range also explains why phrases such as “that color suits you” and “the arrangement does not suit our plans” feel immediately familiar, even though they belong to quite different contexts.
A set of matching clothes, especially a jacket with trousers or a skirt.
"He bought a dark suit for the interview."
Usually used for a formal or professional outfit; in British English it can sound relatively formal in everyday conversation.
A legal action or claim brought in a court of law.
"The company filed a suit against its former supplier."
Chiefly used in American English; British English more often says “legal action” or “claim.”
A formal request or appeal addressed to an authority or person in a position of power.
"The delegates presented a suit to the governor."
This sense is formal and relatively uncommon in modern everyday English.
One of the four categories of playing cards, conventionally spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs.
"The queen of hearts was the winning card in that suit."
Used especially in card games and discussions of matching cards.
The plural suits is used for sets of clothing and, in American English, for legal claims or actions.
"The shop sells suits and formal accessories."
One word can cover a lawyer's case, a businessman's wardrobe, and the way a decision fits perfectly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does suit come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French suite, meaning “following” or “pursuit,” ultimately deriving from Latin sequi, “to follow.” Its legal sense developed from the idea of following or pursuing a claim in court. The related verb meaning to fit or be suitable also comes through French. Modern cognates include suite and sequence, which preserve senses connected with following one after another.
Related word forms
How suit is actually used
The noun meaning a set of clothes is common in formal and professional contexts but can sound formal or old-fashioned in casual speech. In legal use, “suit” is chiefly American; British English more often uses “action” or “claim.” As a verb, “suit” is widely used in British and American English and can describe both practical suitability and personal preference.
Easily confused with suit
A suit is a set of matching clothes or a legal claim, whereas a suite is a set of rooms, especially in a hotel, or a sequence of related items.