bloomer

¹

[bloo-mer]

noun

1. an outfit for women, advocated about 1850 by Amelia Jenks Bloomer, consisting of a short skirt, loose trousers gathered and buttoned at the ankle, and often a coat and a wide hat.

2. (used with a plural verb),  bloomers,

   1. loose trousers gathered at the knee, formerly worn by women as part of a gymnasium, riding, or other sports outfit.

   2. women's underpants of similar, but less bulky, design.

   3. the trousers of a bloomer outfit.

   4. any of various women's garments with full-cut legs gathered at the bottom edge.

adjective

1. (of a woman's garment) having full-cut legs gathered at the bottom edge.

   bloomer shorts.

bloomer

²

[bloo-mer]

noun

1. a plant that blooms.

   a night bloomer.

2. a person who develops skills, abilities, interests, etc., commensurate with their capacities: See late bloomer.

   She was a quiet, methodical child who became a late bloomer.

bloomer

³

[bloo-mer]

noun

1. a foolish mistake; blunder.

Bloomer

⁴

[bloo-mer]

noun

1. Amelia Jenks 1818–94, U.S. social reformer and women's-rights leader.

bloomer

¹

/ ˈbluːmə /

noun

1. a plant that flowers, esp in a specified way

   a night bloomer

bloomer

²

/ ˈbluːmə /

noun

1. informal,  a stupid mistake; blunder

bloomer

³

/ ˈbluːmə /

noun

1. a medium-sized loaf, baked on the sole of the oven, glazed and notched on top

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloomer¹

An Americanism dating to 1850–55; named after A.J. Bloomer

Origin of bloomer²

First recorded in 1720–30; bloom ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of bloomer³

First recorded in 1885–90; bloom(ing) (as euphemism for bloody ) + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloomer¹

C20: from _blooming

Origin of bloomer²

C20: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Yet the 29-year-old appears to be a relative late bloomer rather than someone entering the twilight of his career.

From BBC

Yet Wissa is a late bloomer rather than someone entering the twilight of his career.

From BBC

Whether they are new and recent signings, late bloomers or exciting young academy talents, we are talking about the less familiar faces of all ages who are hoping for a breakout campaign.

From BBC

This year, hot spells in May encouraged some early bloomers, said Lisa Smith, a consulting arborist and president of the tree-consulting firm the Tree Resource.

From Los Angeles Times

Davis, 40, is a self-described late bloomer in the skincare industry.

From Los Angeles Times