bikini
UK: bɪˈkiː.ni | US: bɪˈkiː.ni
n. a two-piece swimsuit for women
n. (by extension) any revealing or skimpy outfit
The word "bikini" was coined in 1946 by French designer Louis Réard, named after Bikini Atoll in the Pacific, where atomic bomb tests occurred that year. The name was chosen metaphorically—the swimsuit's "explosive" impact on fashion was likened to the bomb's effect. The prefix "bi-" (two) references the two-piece design, while "kini" plays on "mini," emphasizing its small size. The spelling "kini" was likely influenced by the exoticism of the atoll's name.
She wore a bright red bikini to the beach.
The bikini became a symbol of liberation in post-war fashion.
His design revolutionized swimwear by introducing the bikini.
The store sells bikinis in all sizes and colors.
The bikini’s popularity soared in the 1960s.