blouse
A blouse is a loose-fitting upper garment that is typically worn by women or girls. It is often made of lightweight fabric such as silk or cotton and frequently features buttons, a collar, and decorative sleeves.
Examples
3 of 5She paired a simple white blouse with her favorite blue jeans for a relaxed weekend look.
She wore a basic white top with her blue denim pants for a casual Saturday style.
The candidate wore a sophisticated silk blouse under her suit jacket for the induction ceremony.
The person wore an elegant silk top beneath her blazer for the formal event.
I just threw on an old blouse and some leggings to run to the corner store.
I put on an old shirt and comfortable pants quickly to go to the shop.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Blouse' 'Blowing' in the wind because it is made of such light and loose fabric.
Quick Quiz
For the important board meeting, Sarah chose to wear a crisp, light blue _______ with her charcoal suit.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blouse
Examples
She paired a simple white blouse with her favorite blue jeans for a relaxed weekend look.
everydayShe wore a basic white top with her blue denim pants for a casual Saturday style.
The candidate wore a sophisticated silk blouse under her suit jacket for the induction ceremony.
formalThe person wore an elegant silk top beneath her blazer for the formal event.
I just threw on an old blouse and some leggings to run to the corner store.
informalI put on an old shirt and comfortable pants quickly to go to the shop.
Historical analysis of women's fashion often focuses on the transition from the restrictive corset to the versatile blouse.
academicStudying old clothes often looks at how women moved from tight undergarments to flexible tops.
Our corporate dress code requires a pressed blouse or a professional shirt for all client-facing roles.
businessThe company rules say employees must wear a neat top or a formal shirt when meeting customers.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ruffled blouse
a blouse with decorative frills of fabric
pussy-bow blouse
a blouse with a large bow tied at the neck
to blouse one's shirt
to pull a shirt up slightly after tucking it in so it hangs loosely
Often Confused With
While 'shirt' is a generic term often used for men's button-downs, 'blouse' specifically refers to women's feminine-styled tops.
'Top' is a broad category including t-shirts and sweaters, whereas a 'blouse' is usually a dressier, woven garment.
Usage Notes
In modern English, 'blouse' is almost exclusively used for women's clothing. Using it to describe a man's dress shirt might sound archaic or incorrect unless referring to specific historical or military uniforms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'shirt' for everything; remember to use 'blouse' when describing professional or elegant women's upper garments.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Blouse' 'Blowing' in the wind because it is made of such light and loose fabric.
Word Origin
From the French word 'blouse', which originally referred to a short smock or protective garment worn by French workmen or peasants.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western business culture, the blouse is a staple of 'business casual' and 'business formal' attire for women.
Quick Quiz
For the important board meeting, Sarah chose to wear a crisp, light blue _______ with her charcoal suit.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blouse
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
sit
A1To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.
stand
A1To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.
pay
A1To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.
meet
A1To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.
continue
A1To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.
set
A1To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.
learn
A1To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.
lead
A1To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.
understand
A1To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.
follow
A1To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.
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