bloomers
Britishplural noun
-
informal women's or girls' baggy knickers
-
(formerly) loose trousers gathered at the knee worn by women for cycling and athletics
-
Also called: rational dress. history long loose trousers gathered at the ankle and worn under a shorter skirt
Etymology
Origin of bloomers
from bloomer , a garment introduced in about 1850 and publicized by Mrs A. Bloomer (1818–94), US social reformer
Vocabulary lists containing bloomers
You Name It: Eponyms
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Some Obscure Eponyms
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Winter Dreams," Vocabulary from the short story
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
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 • Aug. 13, 2025
“Mid-May through mid-June is when most bearded irises are in bloom, with the exception of repeat bloomers and a handful of varieties that bloom in late summer,” Estrada notes.
From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024
“The Traitors,” Peacock’s breakout reality hit, is the newest inductee to this late bloomers club, a Scotland-set murder mystery competition hosted by international delight Alan Cumming.
From Salon • Feb. 24, 2024
He lumbered over to a corner of the enclosure and spread his wings wide to their nearly seven-foot span, exposing fluffy white feathers that covered his legs like a pair of bloomers.
From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2023
“I wish—oh, how I wish I had my flannel bloomers on,” she mourned.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
