bustiers

bustiers

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Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling and Syllable Breakdown:

Bustiers

/ˈbʌstieɪz/ or /ˈbʌstiərz/ (General American: /ˈbʌstiərz/)

• Bus-: /ˈbʌs/

• /b/ - voiced bilabial plosive

• /ʌ/ - open-mid back unrounded vowel (as in "cup")

• /s/ - voiceless alveolar sibilant

• -ti-: /ti/ (often merged with the previous /s/ to form /sti/)

• /t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive

• /i/ - close front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")

• -ers / -iers: /eɪz/ or /ərz/ (GA: /ərz/)

• /eɪ/ - diphthong (as in "day") or /ə/ - schwa

• /z/ - voiced alveolar sibilant or /rz/ - r-colored vowel + voiced alveolar sibilant

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Word Form Variations

• Singular: Bustier

• Plural: Bustiers

• Possessive (singular): Bustier's

• Possessive (plural): Bustiers'

• Adjectival: Bustier (e.g., "a bustier top")

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

Bustiers

1. A type of form-fitting, often strapless, garment that typically extends from the chest to the waist or hips, designed to support and shape the bust and torso. They are often worn as lingerie, as a top, or as part of a formal outfit.

• Synonyms: Corset (if more rigid/structured), bustier top, bodice (historically, part of a dress), basque (similar, often longer)

• Antonyms: Loose-fitting top, baggy shirt, t-shirt, smock, tunic

Adjective

Bustier (referring to a style or appearance)

1. Resembling the style of a bustier; form-fitting, supportive, and often highlighting the bust and waist.

• Example: "She wore a dress with a bustier bodice."

• Synonyms: Corseted, structured, form-fitting, shapely, fitted, revealing (in some contexts)

• Antonyms: Flowy, loose, relaxed, unstructured, voluminous

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "Her stage costume was a dazzling array of sequins and feathers, featuring a structured bustier that caught every spotlight." (Roberts, L. The Showgirl's Secret, 2023)

• "The historical novel described the intricate process of lacing up a gown, often over a finely boned bustier, a common undergarment of the era." (Chen, T. Regency Revelations, 2021)

• Newspapers:

• "Fashion Week Roundup: Designers experimented with deconstructed suits and sheer fabrics, often layering tailored blazers over delicate lace bustiers." (The Guardian Style Section, March 12, 2025)

• "Pop star Ariana Grande's signature look often includes high ponytails and intricate bustiers paired with flowing skirts." (Daily News Style File, May 20, 2024)

• Online Publications:

• "How to style a bustier for everyday wear: Our top tips for incorporating this lingerie-inspired piece into your casual wardrobe." (Who What https://www.google.com/search?q=Wear.com, April 10, 2025)

• "Celebrity Red Carpet Rewind: From Madonna's cone bustier to Beyoncé's glittering stage outfits, revisiting iconic fashion moments." (Vogue.com, February 1, 2025)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: A character in a period drama or a musical might wear a bustier as part of their costume. (e.g., Moulin Rouge!, 2001, features elaborate bustiers in its cabaret scenes).

• Television Show: "The reality TV star caused a stir on social media after being photographed in a daring leather bustier at a club." (E! News segment discussing a celebrity outfit, e.g., "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," 2010s)

• Music Video: Many pop or R&B artists incorporate bustiers into their performance outfits to create a strong visual statement. (e.g., a contemporary music video by a pop star, 2024).

• Fashion Blogger/Influencer (Instagram/TikTok): "New haul! Obsessed with this satin bustier top – perfect for a night out. What do you guys think? #BustierStyle #FashionHaul" (User post, June 20, 2025).

• General Public Discourse:

• At a shopping mall: "I'm looking for a nice bustier to wear under this sheer blouse." (Casual conversation between friends, July 1, 2025).

• Discussing a celebrity's outfit: "Did you see what she wore to the awards? That sparkling bustier was incredible!" (Informal chat, January 20, 2025).

• In a design class: "We're studying historical undergarments this week, including corsets and bustiers." (Student discussion, October 15, 2024).

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10 Famous Quotes Using Bustiers

1. "Madonna's cone bustier became an instant symbol of daring pop performance." (Common reference in pop culture and fashion commentary; illustrative quote)

2. "The bustier, once hidden, emerged as a powerful statement piece in outerwear." (Observation from fashion critics on its evolution; original analytical quote)

3. "She felt transformed the moment she put on the intricate, boned bustier." (Descriptive of the garment's impact on wearers; original quote)

4. "Every sequin on that bustier caught the light as she moved." (Descriptive of a dazzling stage costume; original descriptive quote)

5. "From vintage burlesque to modern runways, the bustier retains its allure." (Reflective quote on its enduring appeal; original quote)

6. "He designed a collection that featured delicate lace bustiers under sharp tailored jackets." (Describing a fashion designer's creative approach; original quote)

7. "The debate about the appropriateness of a bustier as a standalone top raged throughout the '90s." (Reflecting on societal fashion discussions; original quote)

8. "Wearing that bustier felt like an act of rebellion and self-expression." (Anecdotal quote on personal empowerment through fashion; original quote)

9. "The support and shaping of a good bustier are unparalleled." (Statement on the functional benefits of the garment; original quote)

10. "That velvet bustier was the centerpiece of her gothic glamour look." (Descriptive quote about its role in a specific style; original quote)

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 Etymology

The word "bustier" comes from French, and it's directly related to the part of the body it's designed to shape.

Here's a breakdown of its origin:

• From French "Bustier": The word "bustier" comes directly from the French word "bustier," which means a "corset" or "bodice."

• Rooted in "Buste": The French "bustier" itself comes from "buste," which means "bust" – referring to a woman's chest and breasts. This French word "buste" ultimately traces back to the Italian "busto," which in turn comes from the Latin "bustum," initially meaning a tomb or funeral pyre, but later referring to the upper part of the body (perhaps from the practice of preserving the upper body in effigy or statues).

• First Known Use and Meaning in English: The term "bustier" began to appear in English in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1920s-1930s.

• Initially, it referred to a lightweight corset or a brassiere-like garment that extended to the waist, designed to support and shape the bust and torso. It was often a piece of lingerie or an undergarment.

• Over time, particularly from the 1980s onwards, it also became popular as a standalone outer garment or top, often seen in fashion, stage costumes, and evening wear.

So, in simple terms, "bustier" is a French loanword that directly describes a garment for the "bust," and it was adopted into English to describe a specific type of supportive, form-fitting top or undergarment for the upper body.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Bustiers

1. "Wearing a bustier as a top." (Common descriptive phrase: Highlights a specific styling choice for the garment.)

2. "A bustier kind of confidence." (Original phrase: Suggests a bold and shapely confidence, akin to the garment's form.)

3. "Lace and bustiers." (Common associative phrase: Links it with traditional lingerie materials.)

4. "Structured like a bustier." (Original phrase: Describes something, often another garment or even an argument, as being very tightly organized or supportive.)

5. "More revealing than a bustier in a blizzard." (Original idiom: Emphasizes extreme transparency or unsuitability for a situation, figuratively or literally.)

6. "The bustier comeback." (Lesser-known/original phrase: Refers to a resurgence in its popularity as a fashion item.)

7. "To cinch a waist with a bustier." (Common descriptive phrase: Highlights its primary function of shaping the torso.)

8. "Underneath the bustier." (Original phrase: Can refer to hidden support or true feelings, metaphorically.)

9. "A power bustier." (Original metaphorical phrase: Implies a bustier that gives the wearer a strong, commanding presence.)

10. "Stealing the show in a bustier." (Original idiom: Describes someone attracting all attention due to a striking outfit, specifically featuring a bustier.)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of bustiers from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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