hi-vis

English

Alternative forms

• high-vis, hi-viz

Etymology

Clipping of high-visibility.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /haɪˈvɪz/

Adjective

hi-vis (comparative more hi-vis, superlative most hi-vis)

1. (of clothing) High-visibility.
   • 1999, Jane Down, Textiles technology to GCSE:

     A Hi-Vis jacket which can be worn over either of the other jackets or instead of them.

   • 2002, The Railway Magazine:

     […] possibly by waving a hi-vis vest or even just being visible in one.

   • 2006, Karen Coumbe, Karen Bush, The Complete Equine Emergency Bible:

     […] and if hi-vis garments are not worn, it is all too easy for a motorist not to spot you until it is too late.

Noun

hi-vis (uncountable)

1. High-visibility clothing.
   • 2018 September 13, Simon Chilvers, “Time to reflect: why the fashion for high-vis is everywhere”, in The Guardian‎^[1]:

     These are not people – builders, airport staff, police officers – who need to be seen for safety. These are men wearing hi-vis for its aesthetic value.