Meaning & use
garters
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“garters” is a form of “garter”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nouncountable
A band of elastic or fabric worn around the leg to hold up a sock or stocking.
Grammar: Countable; usually used in the plural for the pair, but 'a garter' is also correct.
Patterns
- wear garters
- a pair of garters
- garters hold up stockings
In the past, women wore garters to keep their stockings from falling down.
He bought a pair of garters to go with his formal kilt outfit.
The dancer's garters were hidden under her long skirt.
nouncountable
A decorative band worn around the leg at a wedding, traditionally removed by the groom.
Grammar: Countable; often in the plural when referring to the custom.
Patterns
- the bride's garter
- throw the garter
- wedding garters
The bride wore a blue garter for good luck.
At the reception, the groom removed the garter and tossed it to the single men.
She kept her wedding garters as a souvenir.
Word forms
| singular | garter |
|---|---|
| plural | garters |
Common combinations
- wear garters
- She wore garters to hold up her stockings.
- a pair of garters
- He packed a pair of garters for the wedding.
- garter belt
- A garter belt is worn around the waist to hold up stockings.
- wedding garter
- The wedding garter is often blue.
Synonyms and how they differ
- suspender
- In British English, 'suspender' is the usual word for a device that holds up a stocking; 'garter' is more common in American English for the band around the leg.
Word family
- garter noun
- The singular form, meaning one band.
- gartered adjective
- Wearing garters, often used in historical descriptions.
Practice
In which situation would you most likely wear garters?
Choose one answer.
Garters are bands worn around the leg to hold up socks or stockings. They are not for knee protection, trousers (that's a belt), or hats.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “garters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.