Shirt Definition Shirt Definition 1

Shirt (noun) — it is a kind of clothing which conceals the upper part of the body and normally has sleeves and a collar, and in some cases may have buttons to secure it.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ʃɜːrt/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Shirt”?

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Tips for “shirt” pronunciation: 

It should start with sh sound as in “she,” then er (mid vowel) as in “her” and finally a sharp t.

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Examples: How to Use “Shirt” in a Sentence?

A shirt is an item we may wear everyday and the following illustrations show how it takes up various situations of life.

She bought a bright yellow shirt to push herself out of her comfort zone.
My favorite shirt became small in the wash, and now my little brother can wear it.
He got coffee on his shirt while he was going to work, so he put on his jacket.
I keep a clean shirt at my desk because life enjoys surprising me.
Your patterned shirt always gets compliments at family meetings.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Shirt”?

There are a few simple words you can use instead of “shirt,” depending on the type of clothes you mean.

Related nouns: clothes top T-shirt uniform

Synonyms (contextual): top T-shirt

Common collocations: clean shirt white shirt school shirt

“Shirt” Word Formation and Description in Context

Words used together with “shirt” help show its colour, style, or the action someone does with it.

With adjectives: new shirt blue shirt long-sleeve shirt

With verbs: wear a shirt put on a shirt take off a shirt wash a shirt

With nouns (noun + noun): shirt pocket shirt button shirt collar shirt size

Idioms and Phrases with “Shirt”

What “shirt” means in idioms usually connects to strong emotions or situations where someone loses or protects something important. The plain speech also has the daily expressions that follow.

  • Lose your shirt — means lose all your money.

    Jack invested in a bad idea and almost lost his shirt.

  • Keep your shirt on — a term used to calm a person down and not express anger.

    Keep your shirt on, we will fix the problem.

  • Keep your shirt on — a term used to calm a person down and not express anger.

    Keep your shirt on, we will fix the problem.

  • Sweat your shirt or work your shirt off — to work till the point of exhaustion.

    She worked her shirt off to finish the project.
Shirt Idioma Shirt Idioma 1

Test Your Knowledge of “Shirt” Meaning

You can have fun exercising to see how well you understand the meaning of a “shirt.”

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
A shirt is worn on the upper part of the body.
2
Shirts can have buttons, collars, or pockets.
3
You wear a shirt on your feet.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these words in the correct order:
1
yesterday
washed
I
my
shirt
2
red
favorite
is
My
shirt
3
buttoned
She
her
shirt
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
The shirt is too big for him. What is this sentence about?
2
She folded her shirt neatly. What is being described?
3
He wore a wrinkled shirt to the party. What does it mean?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Shirt” Word in Other Languages

How to say “shirt” in other popular languages? The words may differ, but they all mean a top worn on the upper body.

Language Word for “Shirt”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Camisa
Flag French French   Chemise
Flag German German   Hemd

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Shirt”

Have you ever asked yourself where shirts came from, why polos have collars, or which shirts made history? Read on to learn more.

  • The buttoned shirt is relatively modern.

    Buttons became popular in Europe around the 13th century. They changed shirts from simple pullovers into tailored clothing that fit the body better.

  • Polo shirts were inspired by sports.

    The first wearers thereof were tennis and polo players. The collars served as protection for their necks from the sun while playing.

  • At a certain point, white shirts became a sign of social class.

    Only rich people were able to afford washing frequently and using fine linen constantly. Wearing white was a way to show off one’s prestige and social standing.

  • The Oxford shirt has a rich heritage.

    It came from Scotland and gradually took over the whole world. Nowadays, it is considered as suitable for both casual and business occasions.

  • Famous shirts make up the history.

    James Dean’s white t-shirt and Michael Jackson’s sequin shirt became the icons of their eras. They reveal how a shirt can be a marker of a cultural moment.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Shirt”

The unassuming shirt has been a source of thoughts, metaphors, and even advice. Remarkable quotes that contain it are:

“You start out giving your hat, then you give your coat, then your shirt, then your skin — and finally your soul.”

— Charles de Gaulle

Explanation: This quote uses the word shirt in a series to describe sacrifice and how individuals can be increasingly giving in the struggle or the cause.

“Beware of the naked man who offers you his shirt.”

— Harvey Mackay

Explanation: It is a metaphor about being wary of risky promises. A caution not to trust the person who is offering you some help or generosity when he or she is in need of the simplest necessities.

“If you want to have clean ideas, change them as often as your shirt.”

— Francis Picabia

Explanation: Just as we alternate our shirts to be always fresh and clean, Picabia suggests we should let our thoughts progress — renew ideas often to stay creative.