Women's panties The word lingerie is a word taken directly from the French language, meaning undergarments, and used exclusively for more lightweight items of female undergarments. [3] The French word in its original form derives from the French word linge, meaning ' linen ' or ' clothes '. [4] Informal usage suggests visually appealing or even erotic clothing. Although most lingerie is designed to be worn by women, some manufacturers now design lingerie for men. Ladies wear lingerie as undergarments or sleepwear. When you go the department store, instead of asking, “Where do you keep the underpants?” you could say, “Will you please direct me to the lingerie department?” Define lingerie. lingerie synonyms, lingerie pronunciation, lingerie translation, English dictionary definition of lingerie. n. 1. Women's undergarments or sleepwear, especially when designed to be visually or sexually alluring. 2. Archaic Linen articles, especially garments.... Lingerie definition : underwear, sleepwear, and other items of intimate apparel worn by women.. See examples of LINGERIE used in a sentence.