petticoat

USAGE SUMMARY

'petticoat' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It refers to a sleeveless, waist-length underskirt worn by women, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. For example, you can say: "The actress wore a white petticoat under her lace dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A black velvet cocktail dress with an internal corset, ripped hem and petticoat of white multi-layered silk mousseline was stunning; a floor-length gown in black velvet, with white beads shimmering along the throat and down the curves of a plunging back view was more Angelina Jolie than Maleficent, and all the better for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are a lot of garments appearing in shops that have a top layer made of lace or see-through fabric, or a petticoat layer peeping out from underneath.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Edwards capitalised on his two best roles and cast him opposite his hero Grant in the bright and funny Operation Petticoat (1959), where he played a jokey variation of Sidney Falco.

The Guardian - Film

Clothing is about many things, such as protection from the elements, or functionality which is why Amelia Jenks Bloomer, an American suffragette, protested in the 1850s against the ludicrously impractical crinoline petticoat and in favour of trousers (hence "bloomers").

The Economist

Only after the child's death of smallpox at the age of 19 did she set off down-river in search of the geographer, dressed in a velvet petticoat and carried in a palanquin, accompanied by two of her brothers and a nephew.

The Economist

The trend toward youthful markets was indicated by She (founded 1955), broad and robust in outlook; Honey (founded 1960); Annabel (founded 1966), for younger married women in particular; Petticoat (1966 75), for girls 14 to 19 years old; and 19 (1968), a market leader.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reminiscent of the farthingale, the petticoat was reintroduced in England and France around 1710 and remained in favour until 1780.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

What was remarkable about her career was her transformation from the petticoat-wearing, wholesome member of the family folk group The Springfields (and the girl goup the Lana Sisters before that) to the bouffant-topped, mascara-eyed soul queen of the Sixties.

Independent

Besides its own spin-offs, the show encouraged a string of similarly themed series that were among the most popular of the decade, including The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962 71), Petticoat Junction (CBS, 1963 70), Green Acres (CBS, 1965 71), and Hee-Haw (CBS, 1969 71).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Marshall next made westerns centred on, variously, a cavalry scout fighting Indians (Pillars of the Sky, 1956), an army deserter teaching women how to fight Indians (The Guns of Fort Petticoat, 1957), and a sheep rancher and a cattle baron who love the same woman (The Sheepman, 1958).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Curtis's comedic work was interspersed with more serious roles, such as that of a former slave in Spartacus (1960), his roles became primarily comedic, in such films as Operation Petticoat (1959), The Great Imposter (1961), and Sex and the Single Girl (1964).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical garments, be specific about the type of "petticoat" used (e.g., crinoline, farthingale) for accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "petticoat" interchangeably with modern terms like 'slip' or 'underskirt' without considering the historical context. A "petticoat" often implies a specific style or era.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "petticoat" is as a noun. It denotes a specific type of undergarment, as Ludwig AI confirms, and is used in sentences to identify and describe this item of clothing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

21%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "petticoat" refers to an underskirt, particularly one used historically to give shape to a skirt or dress. It functions grammatically as a noun and is used to provide specific detail in discussions of fashion and historical clothing. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct term in written English. Its usage is most common in encyclopedias and news media, reflecting its relevance in historical and cultural contexts. When using the term, it's important to consider the specific type of "petticoat" and historical period to ensure accuracy. Alternatives such as "underskirt" or "slip" may be more appropriate in contemporary contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underskirt

Focuses specifically on the skirt as an undergarment, emphasizing its role beneath another skirt or dress.

half-slip

Specifically refers to a slip that extends from the waist down, offering a modern alternative to the "petticoat".

underslip

Highlights the function of the garment as a slip worn underneath clothing, providing a slightly different emphasis.

underdress

Emphasizes the role of the garment as a dress worn underneath other clothing layers.

lining skirt

Focuses on the function of providing a smooth lining or extra layer beneath a skirt or dress.

foundation skirt

Highlights the garment's role in providing structure or shape to the outer skirt.

supportive undergarment

Emphasizes the garment's role in offering support or fullness to the outer clothing.

historical undergarment

Specifically places the garment within a historical context of underclothing.

crinoline

Refers to a specific type of stiffened or hooped "petticoat" designed to give a distinctive shape to a skirt.

farthingale

Denotes a historical "petticoat"-like structure that provided shape and volume to skirts during the 16th and 17th centuries.

FAQs

How to use "petticoat" in a sentence?

You can use "petticoat" to describe a historical undergarment worn to provide shape to a skirt. For example, "The historical dress included a "petticoat" made of linen and whalebone."

What can I say instead of "petticoat"?

You can use alternatives like "underskirt", "slip", or "underslip" depending on the context and the era you are referencing.

What's the difference between "petticoat" and "crinoline"?

While both are undergarments worn to give shape to a skirt, a "petticoat" is a general term for an underskirt, while a "crinoline" is a specific type of stiffened or hooped "petticoat" popular in the mid-19th century.

Which is correct, "petticoat" or "pannier"?

Both "petticoat" and "pannier" are correct terms for historical undergarments, but they refer to different shapes and eras. A "petticoat" is a general underskirt, while a "pannier" is a frame worn at the sides to extend the width of a skirt, particularly in the 18th century.