Tank Top: Definition, Examples, and Styling Tips

Meaning 1：a sleeveless top (Tank Top)

Tank Top 🔊

/tæŋk tɒp/

A piece of clothing, usually made of thin material like cotton, that covers the upper body but has no sleeves.

a sleeveless top 🔊

➕

/ə ˈsliːvləs tɒp/

A lightweight, sleeveless upper garment, often made of cotton, worn in hot weather or for casual occasions.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Elementary

📖 Root Explanation

From 'tank suit' (one-piece swimwear) + 'top' (upper garment).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a tank with no armor on its arms—just a light top to stay cool.

📖 Example

It's too hot for a T-shirt, so I just put on a cotton tank top. 🔊 It's too hot for a T-shirt, so I just put on a cotton tank top.

🔗 Collocations

cotton tank top – A tank top made of cotton fabric

wear a tank top – To put on a tank top as clothing

sleeveless tank top – A tank top that has no sleeves

🔄 Synonyms

sleeveless shirt (n.) – A top garment without sleeves, similar to a tank top

vest top (n.) – British term for a sleeveless undershirt or tank top

muscle shirt (n.) – A loose, sleeveless shirt that shows the shoulders and arms

🚫 Antonyms

long-sleeved shirt (n.) – A shirt with full-length sleeves

sweater (n.) – A warm knitted garment covering the arms and torso

jacket (n.) – A short coat with sleeves, often closed in front

🌱 Derivatives

tank (n.) – Short form of tank top (informal)

tank dress (n.) – A dress with a tank-top-style upper part

📖 Cultural Story

Originated in 1920s from women's one-piece 'tank suits'; the upper half became a separate casual top, popular for summer heat.