bloomers
Britishplural noun
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informal women's or girls' baggy knickers
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(formerly) loose trousers gathered at the knee worn by women for cycling and athletics
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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
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Some Obscure Eponyms
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"Winter Dreams," Vocabulary from the short story
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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
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 • Jun. 24, 2025
But flowers come in all descriptions and sizes and are designed to attract a dizzying array of pollinators — beetles, bats, birds, butterflies, moths for the night bloomers, wasps, and yes, bees.
From Seattle Times • May 31, 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
Stanton’s father told her she was not welcome in his home wearing bloomers.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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.
