bell-bottom

American

[bel-bot-uhm] / ˈbɛlˌbɒt əm /

adjective

Also bell-bottomed. (of trousers) wide and flaring at the bottoms of the legs.

noun

(used with a plural verb) bell-bottoms, bell-bottom trousers.

Etymology

Origin of bell-bottom

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The set is a faithful recreation of Bob Marley & The Wailers' Exodus tour, filled with extras in paisley shirts, bell-bottom flares and false moustaches.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2024

During a visit in May, the market featured dozens of vintage clothing vendors selling bell-bottom jeans, graphic tees and flowery sundresses on the main plaza.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2023

Yet Carl, from flooffy head to bell-bottom hems, is the epitome of soft power and hardened ego.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2023

Harry Styles, the band Maneskin, and even legendary producer Nile Rodgers were harkening back to the bell-bottom look popularized in the 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2023

I knew better than to ask for a pair of bell-bottoms or jeans, although Miss Honeywell looked snappy and mod in her shocking-pink bell-bottom pants and matching jacket with big gold buttons.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023