Meaning & use
string vests
Last updated
“string vests” is a form of “string vest”.
Meaning
nouncountableBritish
A light sleeveless undershirt made of an open, net-like fabric that lets air through.
Grammar: Countable; the singular is 'a string vest'. Use 'string vests' for more than one.
Patterns
- wear a string vest
- a string vest under something
- a cotton string vest
He always wears a string vest under his shirt, even in winter.
String vests are popular with hikers because they dry quickly.
She packed two string vests for the camping trip.
Word forms
| singular | string vest |
|---|
Common combinations
- wear a string vest
- He wore a string vest under his uniform.
- cotton string vest
- She prefers a cotton string vest in summer.
- a string vest and boxers
- He answered the door in a string vest and boxers.
- thermal string vest
- A thermal string vest keeps you warm without bulk.
Synonyms and how they differ
- undershirt
- The general American word for a light top worn under clothes; it does not have to be string-knit.
- vest
- In British English, a vest is an undergarment; in American English it is a sleeveless outer top, so 'string vest' is clearer.
Word family
Commonly confused: string vests or vest?
string vests vs vest
In British English a vest is any undershirt; in American English it is a sleeveless jacket or outer top. 'String vest' is always the British undergarment.
Practice
He wore a string vest ___ his shirt.
Choose one answer.
A string vest is an undergarment, so it goes under other clothes. 'Over' would mean on top, which is not its usual position.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “string vests”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.