pullover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pullover" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a type of sweater that is worn by pulling it over the head. An example is: "She wore a cozy pullover on the chilly evening." Alternative expressions include "sweater" and "jumper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there was Lovat, strolling through fire quite calmly in his aristocratic way, allegedly wearing a monogrammed white pullover under his jacket and carrying an ancient Winchester rifle, so if he was mad Mr Millin thought he might as well be ridiculous too, and struck up "Hielan' Laddie".

The Economist

With his neatly cropped head, white shirt, sober tie and dark blue pullover (Benetton, of course), the young Mr Benetton would not stand out even in the most conservative boardroom.

The Economist

Mum's response to a mass-produced pullover that would only fit a fat dwarf is a long-suffering: "We in the German Democratic Republic must endeavour to become smaller and squarer".Alex is played by Daniel Brühl, a German heart-throb, with the face of a young Jeremy Irons and the eyes of Omar Sharif.

The Economist

And the case of Christina Hughes, shot by the UDA by mistake because she was painting her house and wearing her husband's slacks and pullover.

The Economist

France's sharp-tongued ambassador, Pierre de Boissieu, a grandson of de Gaulle, sports a dark blue pullover, delights in intellectual argument and does not suffer fools gladly; he invented the Maastricht treaty's three "pillars".

The Economist

Today, she's dressed in what might be considered conservative apparel for her – black trousers and a charcoal pullover, worn over a light grey polo neck.

Independent

Yesterday Becker, a small, frail-looking woman clad in white jeans and a beige jacket and pullover, sat between her lawyers in the same high-security court at Stammheim outside Stuttgart that she and many of her accomplices had faced trial in during the 1970s and 1980s.

Independent

But isn't it obviously a good idea in the Espace Killy to have a charity shop at La Grande Motte so that skiers who didn't put on enough layers can buy an old pullover for the long descent?

Independent

Flanked by two prison officers, Sharp, unshaven and wearing a grey pullover and grey jogging bottoms, sat in the dock with his head down for most of the brief hearing.

Independent

Jonathan King, now 67, has discarded his trademark baseball cap and comedy spectacles, and is wearing a black pullover, track-suit bottoms, and orthodox frameless glasses.

Independent

Lady and dog brooch by Tatty Devine, £42, Selfridges 12. Modular dog pullover, £79, Bauhaus collar, £79, and Bauhaus lead, £89, Mungo and Maud 13.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clothing in a formal setting, consider specifying the material or knit style of the "pullover" (e.g., cashmere "pullover", merino wool "pullover") for added precision.

Common error

Avoid using "pullover" when you mean a cardigan. A "pullover" is put on by pulling it over the head, while a cardigan opens in the front with buttons or a zipper.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pullover" is as a noun. It names a specific type of garment, a sweater that is put on by pulling it over the head. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing attire and clothing items. The use of the word is also documented with AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pullover" functions primarily as a noun, designating a type of sweater donned by pulling it over the head. It maintains a neutral register across various contexts, notably within News & Media. According to Ludwig AI, "pullover" is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. When using "pullover", remember that it refers specifically to sweaters without front openings, and synonyms like "sweater" and "jumper" can be used depending on the region. It is, thus, important not to confuse "pullover" with cardigans or other sweaters that have front openings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sweater

A more general term for a knitted garment worn on the upper body; interchangeable in many contexts.

jumper

Commonly used in British English to describe a sweater, close synonym.

slipover

Synonym, although less common, specifically emphasizes the act of pulling the garment over the head.

crewneck sweater

Specifies the neckline style, adding more detail.

v-neck sweater

Specifies the neckline style, adding more detail.

knitted top

Broader term, includes various knitted upper-body garments.

sweater without buttons

More descriptive, emphasizing the lack of buttons.

sweater without a zipper

More descriptive, emphasizing the lack of a zipper.

overhead sweater

Focuses on the method of wearing, but less common.

long-sleeved knit

Describes a knit with long sleeves; less specific.

FAQs

How to use "pullover" in a sentence?

You can use "pullover" to describe a sweater that you put on by pulling it over your head. For example, "He wore a blue "pullover" to stay warm".

What is the difference between a "pullover" and a sweater?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "sweater" is a broader term. A "pullover" is a specific type of sweater that lacks buttons or zippers and must be pulled over the head. A sweater can be a "pullover" or other style like a cardigan.

What can I say instead of "pullover"?

You can use alternatives like "sweater" or "jumper" depending on the context. "Jumper" is more common in British English.

Is it correct to call a hoodie a "pullover"?

Yes, a hoodie that is put on over the head can be considered a type of "pullover", as long as it doesn't have a full zipper down the front. It is more accurate to describe it as a "pullover hoodie" or simply a hoodie.