裙摆 (qún bǎi) literally combines 裙 (qún), meaning 'skirt', and 摆 (bǎi), meaning 'to sway' or 'flap'. Together, it refers to the lower edge or flared portion of a skirt—the part that moves when the wearer walks or twirls. It emphasizes both the physical boundary of the garment and its dynamic, flowing quality.

This term is commonly used in fashion descriptions, sewing contexts, and everyday observations—especially when discussing style, movement, or fit. Unlike generic terms like 下摆 (xiàbǎi, 'lower hem'), 裙摆 specifically denotes the hem *of a skirt*, often evoking elegance, motion, or visual fullness. It appears frequently in literature, fashion magazines, and clothing labels, and carries a slightly more poetic or descriptive nuance than simple technical terms.