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bikini

/bɪˈkini/
/bɪˈkini/
IPA guide

Other forms: bikinis

A bikini is a two-piece women's bathing suit. Bikinis are usually skimpy, and a particularly small one inspired a song from 1960 called "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

We don't normally associate atomic bomb tests with cute bathing suits, but this one's an exception. The bikini is named after the Pacific atoll of the same name, where an atomic bomb was exploded in 1946. The reason a tiny bathing suit is named after a tiny island isn’t clear. Although a bikini isn't as explosive as a bomb, it is likely to be worn by a bombshell.

Definitions of bikini
  1. noun
    a woman's very brief bathing suit
    synonyms: two-piece
    see moresee less
    type of:
    bathing costume, bathing suit, swimming costume, swimsuit, swimwear
    tight fitting garment worn for swimming
Pronunciation
US
/bɪˈkini/
UK
/bɪˈkini/
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