Bottom drawer – Definition & Meaning

Have you ever heard the phrase “bottom drawer” and wondered what it means? This term has been used for many years and is still in common use today. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bottom drawer, its origins, and its associations.

Definitions

Bottom drawer refers to the lowest drawer in a chest of drawers or a dresser. This drawer is typically used to store items that are not frequently used, such as linens, seasonal clothing, or sentimental items.

Bottom drawer can also refer to a collection of items that a woman puts aside in anticipation of her future marriage. These items may include linens, kitchenware, and other household items.

Origin

The origin of the term bottom drawer is not entirely clear. Some sources suggest that it may have originated in the Victorian era, when women were expected to prepare for marriage from a young age. Others suggest that it may have been a practical solution to the problem of storing items in a chest of drawers.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Oxford English Dictionary, bottom drawer is defined as “the lowest drawer in a chest of drawers, especially one in which a woman keeps her trousseau.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the lowest drawer in a dresser or bureau.” Collins English Dictionary defines it as “the lowest drawer in a chest of drawers, often used for storing linen.”

Associations

Bottom drawer is often associated with the idea of preparing for marriage. In some cultures, it is traditional for women to start collecting items for their bottom drawer at a young age, in anticipation of their future marriage. This tradition is less common today, but the phrase bottom drawer is still used to refer to a woman’s collection of household items.

Synonyms

Synonyms of bottom drawer include lowest drawer, bottommost drawer, and undermost drawer.

Antonyms

Antonyms of bottom drawer include top drawer, uppermost drawer, and highest drawer.

The same root words

The phrase bottom drawer does not have any obvious root words, but it may be related to the word trousseau, which refers to a collection of clothing and household items that a woman brings with her when she gets married.

Example Sentences

1. She kept her wedding dress in the bottom drawer of her dresser.
2. My grandmother always told me to start collecting items for my bottom drawer.
3. I found a beautiful antique quilt in the bottom drawer of the chest of drawers.
4. She had a collection of silverware and china in her bottom drawer.
5. He searched through the bottom drawer of the dresser, looking for his missing socks.