B2 adjective Neutral

blouse

/blaʊz/

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 5
1

She 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.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
blouse
Verb
blouse
Adjective
blousey
Related
blouson
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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

1

She paired a simple white blouse with her favorite blue jeans for a relaxed weekend look.

everyday

She wore a basic white top with her blue denim pants for a casual Saturday style.

2

The candidate wore a sophisticated silk blouse under her suit jacket for the induction ceremony.

formal

The person wore an elegant silk top beneath her blazer for the formal event.

3

I just threw on an old blouse and some leggings to run to the corner store.

informal

I put on an old shirt and comfortable pants quickly to go to the shop.

4

Historical analysis of women's fashion often focuses on the transition from the restrictive corset to the versatile blouse.

academic

Studying old clothes often looks at how women moved from tight undergarments to flexible tops.

5

Our corporate dress code requires a pressed blouse or a professional shirt for all client-facing roles.

business

The company rules say employees must wear a neat top or a formal shirt when meeting customers.

Word Family

Noun
blouse
Verb
blouse
Adjective
blousey
Related
blouson

Common Collocations

silk blouse a top made of silk fabric
sleeveless blouse a top that does not have sleeves
button-down blouse a blouse that fastens with buttons at the front
floral blouse a top decorated with a flower pattern
sheer blouse a top made of thin, transparent material

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

blouse vs shirt

While 'shirt' is a generic term often used for men's button-downs, 'blouse' specifically refers to women's feminine-styled tops.

blouse vs top

'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

Countable noun: 'She owns three silk blouses.' Commonly used with the preposition 'with' to describe details: 'a blouse with ruffles.' As a verb, it is intransitive: 'The fabric bloused over her belt.'
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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 Words

sit

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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

A1

To 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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