a tough, twilled cotton cloth used for uniforms, sports clothes, etc.
Usually chinos trousers made of this material.
An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; of uncertain origin
From Mexican Spanish; further etymology disputed
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We’re dressed in classic first date attire: me in a navy jumpsuit that I frantically purchased a few days before and him sporting a striped button-down shirt with chino shorts.
From New York Times ● May 27, 2022
Thus, exaggeratedly oversize berets mixed with clashing-color prints on silk, standout loose wool coats in maize, printed silk neck scarves, chunky sheeny leather loafers, and high-waisted chino pants.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 23, 2022
I am thinking here of a classic jean cut made in a luxury fabric, as opposed to denim, or a chino that has a careworn vibe, and isn’t too box-fresh or preppy.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 16, 2019
Theory’s focus is on men’s pants, for now, with plans for more colors this summer and emphasis on a chino model.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 11, 2016
For a moment I thought of digging out New York clothes and putting on a puff for the boy, but I dropped that one and settled for clean chino slacks and a knitted shirt.
From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck
In 2010, Southern California Edison removed about 40 high-voltage transmission towers from Chino Hills State Park after years of public opposition.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2026
An evacuation center for residents and pets has been opened at the Chino Hills Community Center, at 14250 Peyton Drive.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026
Evacuation warnings were also lifted for Olinda Village and Hollydale, and an evacuation center at the Chino Hills Community Center was closed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 26, 2026
Armenta eventually developed a working partnership with the indie label, which continued sign popular música mexicana acts like Calle 24, Chino Pacas and Clave Especial.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
Chino has been with the family forever—well, only a little less than Chucha, who came when Laura's mother was pregnant with Laura.
From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez
WSJ | Buy Side: These men’s linen pants have breathable fabric, making them an easy summertime alternative to heavy denim and chinos.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
He wore his customary aviators, chinos and an untucked shirt.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 5, 2025
If the chinos are a hit, orders will ramp up and so must production.
From BBC ● Jan. 12, 2025
As the crowd sipped cocktails in booths, Hilfiger stuck to what he knows on models walking through: rugby shirts, blazers, chinos and varsity jackets in corduroy and herringbone.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 9, 2024
But most of the people gathered in the meadow wore everyday clothes: faded work shirts or T-shirts and chinos, floral-print dresses that could be found on the discount racks of any department store.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
