CultureAugust 20, 2026

burkini

bur-KEE-nee

Definition

A type of modest swimsuit, typically worn by Muslim women, that covers the entire body except for the face, hands, and feet.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau created by combining 'burqa' (an outer garment covering the entire body) and 'bikini' (a two-piece swimsuit), first coined in the early 2000s.

In the news

The article references the burkini to highlight a historic moment in the 2023 Miss Universe competition, where Pakistan's representative, Erica Robin, wore one during the swimsuit round.

Misbah Arshad becomes fourth Miss Universe Pakistan

Read the full article ↗

samaa tv

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