delicate

DEL-uh-kit

meaning in plain English

A thin or fragile piece of clothing, such as underwear or lingerie.

Imagine a delicate lace slip that could tear if you brush it—think thin, fragile underwear.

for example

I washed that delicate by hand because it could tear.

If someone calls a piece of clothing a delicate, they mean it needs gentle handling, like a lace bra or silk panties. It's the kind of item you wouldn't throw in a rough wash.