kit
KIT
/kɪt/
A set of clothes and equipment that you use for a particular purpose, especially a sport.
Very common in British English to refer to a sports uniform and the associated small gear.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'kit' was a wooden tub or vessel used by sailors. Over time, it came to mean the collection of items stored in such a container, eventually referring to a soldier's or athlete's entire outfit.
Word relationships
- outfit: Outfit is more general for any set of clothes, while kit implies a functional or sporting purpose.
Commonly confused with
- set: A set is a group of similar things; a kit is a group of different things needed for one task.
Collocations
- football kit
- first-aid kit
- survival kit
- home kit
Example sentences
- "The players changed into their away kit before the match started." Football culture
- "Always carry a first-aid kit when you go hiking." Medical preparation
Memory hook
A 'kit' is what you 'fit' into your sports bag. Fit the kit in the bag.
When not to use
In American English, 'kit' is more often used for a set of tools (like a first-aid kit) than for sports clothing.
Fun facts
- In the 18th century, a 'kit' was also a small fiddle used by dance masters.
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