1
: to bear or have on the person
wore a coat
2
a
: to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance
wears a size 10
wear glasses
b
: to carry on the person
wear a sword
3
4
a
: to cause to deteriorate by use
b
: to impair or diminish by use or attrition : consume or waste gradually
letters on the stone worn away by weathering
5
: to produce gradually by friction or attrition
wear a hole in the rug
7
: to cause (a ship) to go about with the stern presented to the wind
8
British
: to accept or tolerate without complaint : put up with
—usually used in negative constructions
your mates wouldn't wear it—
Colin MacInnes
Colin MacInnes9
1
a
: to endure use : last under use or the passage of time
material that will wear for years
b
: to retain quality or vitality
the classics wear well
2
a
: to diminish or decay through use
the heels of his shoes began to wear
b
: to diminish or fail with the passage of time
the effect of the drug wore off
the day wore on
c
: to grow or become by attrition or use
the blade wore dull
3
of a ship
: to change to an opposite tack by turning the stern to the wind compare tack
wearer
noun
2
3
: wearing quality : durability under use
4
: the result of wearing or use : diminution or impairment due to use
wear-resistant surface
Examples of wear in a Sentence
Verb
He was wearing blue jeans.
She wore a red blouse to work.
White coats are often worn by doctors.
He doesn't wear a watch.
a badge worn by police officers
Were you wearing a seat belt?
She wears her hair in a ponytail.
I used to wear my hair long.
The teacher was wearing a frown.
He wore a hole in his pants.
Noun
shoes that are perfect for everyday wear
The deck is built to withstand years of wear.
I got a lot of wear out of these boots.
a new line of evening wear
The carpet is showing signs of wear.
You should inspect the tires for wear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
This means exposing the shoulders, showing too much leg above the knees, or wearing clothing with crude or inappropriate imagery.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week marked a step change for the fledgling showcase, attracting international labels, retailers and editors to transporting, open-air runway venues and showcasing the appeal of its homegrown modest fashions — and spectacular special-occasion wear.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
The comfortable basic is made with 100 percent cotton that’s lightweight and easy to wear with jeans, shorts, and skirts.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
This means exposing the shoulders, showing too much leg above the knees, or wearing clothing with crude or inappropriate imagery.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
After evaluating nine different pairs for comfort, support, and value, the Hoka Mach 6 Sneakers proved to be the best for everyday wear.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week marked a step change for the fledgling showcase, attracting international labels, retailers and editors to transporting, open-air runway venues and showcasing the appeal of its homegrown modest fashions — and spectacular special-occasion wear.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear
Cite this Entry
“Wear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wear
1 of 2 verb
ˈwa(ə)r 
ˈwe(ə)r
1
a
: to use as an article of clothing, adornment, or assistance
wears blue jeans all the time
wears glasses
b
: to carry on the person
wear a watch
2
: to have or show an appearance of
wore a happy smile
3
a
: to damage, destroy, or make less by use or by scraping or rubbing
wore the shoes to pieces
b
: to produce gradually by wearing
wear a hole in the rug
c
: to tire or weaken : fatigue
soldiers worn by the strain of war
4
: to stand up under use
a silk that wears well
5
a
: to lessen or end with the passage of time
the effect of the medicine wore off
the day wore on
b
: to reach a certain condition gradually
the blade wore dull
wearer
noun
wear
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the act of wearing : use
b
: the state of being worn
2
: clothing or an article of clothing usually of a particular kind or for a special occasion or use
children's wear
3
: wearing quality : durability under use
4
: the result of wearing or use
a carpet showing wear
Geographical Definition
Wear
geographical name
river 67 miles (108 kilometers) long in northern England flowing into the North Sea at Sunderland
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