A boilersuit, also known as a coverall or overall, is a one-piece garment that covers the entire body from the neck down to the ankles and wrists. It is typically made of heavy-duty fabric and is designed to protect the wearer from dirt, grease, and other hazards in industrial settings. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of boilersuit, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a boilersuit is “a one-piece garment covering the whole body, worn for protection against dirt, grease, etc., especially in mechanical or industrial work.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a one-piece garment that combines a shirt and pants and is worn especially for work or play.”
Origin
The term boilersuit originated in the early 20th century in the United Kingdom, where it was first used to describe the one-piece jumpsuits worn by workers in boiler rooms. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to describe any one-piece garment worn for work or play.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definitions provided by the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary, other dictionaries offer slightly different interpretations of the term boilersuit.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a piece of clothing that covers the whole body and is worn over other clothes to protect them, especially when working in dirty or dangerous conditions.”
The Collins English Dictionary describes it as “a one-piece garment, usually of cotton or linen, worn over other clothes for dirty work.”
Associations
Boilersuits are most commonly associated with industrial and mechanical work, where they are worn to protect workers from dirt, grease, and other hazards. They are also often worn by mechanics, carpenters, and other tradespeople. In recent years, boilersuits have become popular as a fashion statement, with designers creating stylish versions of the garment for everyday wear.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for boilersuit include coverall, overall, jumpsuit, and onesie.
Antonyms
As boilersuits are typically worn for protection and practicality, their antonyms might include clothing that is more formal, fashionable, or revealing.
The same root words
The word boilersuit is a compound word made up of “boiler,” which refers to a vessel used to heat water or produce steam, and “suit,” which refers to a set of clothes worn together. Other words that share the same root as boilersuit include boilerplate, boiler room, and boilerhouse.
Example Sentences
- The workers in the factory all wore boilersuits to protect themselves from the machinery.
- The mechanic put on a boilersuit before getting under the car to fix the engine.
- The fashion model strutted down the runway in a sleek black boilersuit.
- The astronaut donned a special space boilersuit before leaving the spacecraft.
- The artist wore a brightly colored boilersuit while painting a mural on the side of the building.