to underwire
7.1
To sew a thin curved wire into a bra to give it support and shape
- verb
- /ˈʌndərˌwaɪər/
- Before the fitting, I asked if they could underwire the dress for more structure.
Examples
-
Or underwire bras.
Blog text (29) -
What should I do and not do when it comes to reducing the risks of breast cancer, such as breastfeeding or wearing an underwired bra?
Academic text (2010) -
Pondering the circumvolving mediations of "thin antennae that underwire the Atlantic Ocean" and the pine trees.
Academic text (2016) -
She decided to underwire her new bra to make it more supportive.
-
The seamstress will underwire the custom lingerie for better fit and comfort.
Antonyms
Surface Forms
underwire infinitive
underwired past
underwired past participle
underwiring present participle
underwires third person singular
Etymology
The verb underwire comes from the same idea: to 'put a wire under' a bra or similar piece of clothing to give 'support' and 'shape'.