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What is the Meaning of “Shirt”?

Shirt
/ʃɜːrt/

A piece of clothing for the upper body, usually with sleeves.

Definition of Shirt

Quick Meaning of Shirt

A piece of clothing for the upper body, usually with sleeves.

Detailed Definition of Shirt

A piece of clothing worn on the upper body, typically with sleeves and buttons or a zipper.

How to Pronounce Shirt

IPA: /ʃɜːrt/
shirt

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: Sounds like 'shert' with schwa sound /ʃɜːrt/. Two sounds: /ʃ/ + /ɜːrt/.

Full pronunciation guide for “shirt” →

Origin and Etymology of Shirt

From Old English scyrte, from Germanic root meaning 'short'.

How to Use Shirt in a Sentence

Each example shows “shirt” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “He wore a blue shirt to the office.”
    A1 daily
  • “She bought a white cotton shirt on sale.”
    A1 conversation
  • “The formal dinner required a dress shirt and tie.”
    A2 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Shirt

Common Synonyms for Shirt

Smart Synonyms for Shirt — When to Use Each

top
casual general term for upper body clothing
blouse
more formal or feminine style shirt
tunic
longer loose-fitting shirt style
garment
formal word for any piece of clothing

See all synonyms for “shirt” →

Common Collocations with Shirt

These phrases pair with “shirt” in everyday English:

  • dress shirt
  • t-shirt
  • polo shirt
  • button-down shirt
  • wear a shirt

Common Mistakes When Using Shirt

Even fluent speakers slip up with “shirt”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: He put on the shirt on.
✓ Correct: He put on the shirt.
Why: Don't repeat 'on' after 'put on'; it's a phrasal verb.
✗ Wrong: She wear a shirt.
✓ Correct: She wears a shirt.
Why: Third-person singular present needs -s: 'wears', not 'wear'.

Words Confused With Shirt

  • Shirt vs Blouse: Blouse is more formal and typically feminine; shirt is general everyday wear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shirt

What is the meaning of "Shirt"?

A piece of clothing for the upper body, usually with sleeves.

How do you pronounce "Shirt"?

The IPA is /ʃɜːrt/. Sounds like 'shert' with schwa sound /ʃɜːrt/. Two sounds: /ʃ/ + /ɜːrt/.

What part of speech is "Shirt"?

"Shirt" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Shirt"?

Common synonyms include top, garment, blouse.

How do you use "Shirt" in a sentence?

For example: "He wore a blue shirt to the office."

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