What does sweatshirt mean?
A sweatshirt is a casual, long-sleeved garment traditionally worn for exercise or warmth. Today it is usually made from cotton, fleece, or similar materials and is often worn with joggers, jeans, or shorts. Its practical origins are connected with sportswear, but it has become a staple of informal everyday clothing in many countries. Sweatshirts may be plain, printed, hooded, or embroidered, and they can function both as light outerwear and as comfortable clothing for exercise or lounging. The term is especially associated with casual and athleisure styles, though its use is not limited to athletic settings. In British English, “jumper” is also a common synonym, while “hoodie” specifically denotes a sweatshirt or similar garment with a hood.
nounA long-sleeved, usually cotton garment worn for warmth or exercise, especially as part of athletic clothing. It is often loose-fitting and may have a ribbed collar, cuffs, and waistband.
- A long-sleeved garment worn for warmth or exercise, especially in casual or athletic settings.
"She wore a comfortable sweatshirt to the gym."
"He pulled on a sweatshirt before heading out for a run."
"The team wore matching sweatshirts after the championship."
The usual plural is “sweatshirts.”
"The shop sells hoodies, sweatshirts, and other casual clothing."
The sweatshirt began as practical clothing for athletes, but became a global symbol of casual comfort and everyday style.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sweatshirt come from?
The word combines “sweater” with “shirt,” reflecting the garment’s association with athletic clothing and warmth. “Sweater” had been used earlier for garments worn to induce sweating during exercise, and the compound “sweatshirt” developed in the late nineteenth century. The related word “sweatshop” also preserves the older sense of working in a garment that causes heavy perspiration.
Related word forms
How sweatshirt is actually used
Informal and everyday in modern usage. In British English, “jumper” may be preferred in some contexts, although “sweatshirt” is also common.
Easily confused with sweatshirt
A sweatshirt is typically a casual, long-sleeved cotton or fleece garment, while a sweater is a knitted or crocheted garment worn over the upper body.
A sweatshirt may have a hood, but a hoodie is defined by its attached hood and is usually heavier or more casual in style.