wear noun
1 use as clothing
ADJ. everyday, weekend | summer, winter
PREP. in ~ Silk shirts always feel soft and light in wear. | with ~ New shoes usually get more comfortable with wear.
PHRASES years of wear This is a quality garment which should give years of wear.
2 clothes
ADJ. day, evening | designer, fashion | casual, leisure, outdoor | bridal, maternity | children's, men's, women's
3 long use
ADJ. hard, heavy
VERB + WEAR withstand This flooring can withstand years of hard wear.
PREP. … with ~ The stairs had become slippery with wear.
PHRASES centuries, years, etc. of wear The cathedral steps were polished smooth by centuries of wear.
4 damage caused by long use
ADJ. excessive | engine, tyre, etc.
VERB + WEAR show The tyres were beginning to show wear. | cause | minimize, reduce
WEAR + NOUN pattern the analysis of wear patterns on prehistoric stone tools | guarantee The flooring comes with a 20-year wear guarantee.
PREP. ~ on This new oil reduces wear on the engine.
PHRASES signs of wear, wear and tear