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delicates

delicates
noun (plural)
pl: delicates

This term refers specifically to clothing made from fragile fabrics, such as silk, lace, or fine synthetics, that require gentle handling during laundering. It is almost exclusively used in the context of laundry and garment care, often appearing as a setting on washing machines.

Grammatically, this word is used as a plural noun. While "delicate" is commonly an adjective, "delicates" functions as a collective noun for a category of items. It does not have a singular form in this specific laundry context; one would say "a delicate item" rather than "a delicate."

Meanings

noun (plural)delicates

Clothing made of fragile fabrics that require gentle washing.

Wash delicates.

Examples

Please put your delicates in a mesh bag before starting the machine.

I need to separate the towels from the delicates.

Does this washing machine have a setting for delicates?

Travel

I should probably hand wash these delicates to avoid shrinking them.

She carefully folded her silk delicates and placed them in the top drawer.

Romance

Wait, did you put the delicates in the heavy duty cycle?

The hotel laundry service charges extra for washing delicates.

Travel

I wonder if these delicates will survive a quick spin cycle.

He bought a set of expensive lace delicates as a gift for her.

Romance

Collocations & Compounds

wash delicates

Verb collocation: to clean fragile clothing using a gentle method

separate delicates

Verb collocation: to sort fragile items away from heavier laundry

Always separate your delicates from your jeans and towels before starting the wash.

silk delicates

Noun collocation: undergarments or clothing made specifically from silk fabric

lace delicates

Noun collocation: undergarments or clothing featuring lace fabric

Lace delicates are prone to tearing if they are not washed in a laundry bag.

expensive delicates

Noun collocation: high-end or luxury fragile clothing

Etymology

Derived from the adjective "delicate," which comes from the Latin "delicatus" (meaning dainty or luxurious), originating from "deliciae" (pleasures/delights). The transition from an adjective to a plural noun occurred as a shorthand for "delicate garments."

Related Words

lingerieundergarmentsunderclotheslacesilksatinnylonmeshunderwearbrapantiesslipcamisolenegligeecorsettightswashlaundrycyclegentlemilddetergentsoaphangironsteamfabrictextilefragilesoftsheertransparentintimateclothingapparelgarmentwardrobetemperaturerinsespinshrinkagebleachsoftenerinstructionluxuryembroideryfrilltrimming
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error