shirt
UK: ʃɜːt | US: ʃɜːrt
n. a garment for the upper body, typically with sleeves, a collar, and buttons down the front
n. (historical) a loose undergarment worn by men in medieval times
The word "shirt" traces back to Old English "scyrte," meaning a short garment or tunic, which itself originated from Proto-Germanic *skurtijǭ (short clothing). This root is linked to the idea of "shortness," as shirts were historically shorter than outer garments like cloaks. Over time, the meaning narrowed to refer specifically to the upper-body garment we know today. The word shares ancestry with "skirt," reflecting their common origin in clothing terminology.
He tucked his shirt into his trousers before the meeting.
She bought a new silk shirt for the summer.
The medieval knight wore a chainmail shirt under his armor.
His shirt was stained with coffee after the spill.
The uniform requires a white shirt and black pants.