denim

American  

[den-uhm] / ˈdɛn əm /

noun

1. a heavy, Z-twist, twill cotton for jeans, overalls, and other work and leisure garments.

2. a similar fabric of finer quality, for covering cushions, furniture, etc.

3. (used with a plural verb) denims, a garment, especially trousers or overalls, made of denim.

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denim British  

/ ˈdɛnɪm /

noun

1. 1. a hard-wearing twill-weave cotton fabric used for trousers, work clothes, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a denim jacket

2. 1. a similar lighter fabric used in upholstery

   2. ( as modifier )

      denim cushion covers

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Etymology

Origin of denim

1685–95; < French: short for serge de Nîmes serge of Nîmes

Explanation

Denim is a kind of heavy cotton material that's used to make jeans. Denim is usually dark blue, and mostly used to make durable work wear, like jeans and overalls. In some places, people call blue jeans denims. The word comes from a French phrase serge de Nîmes, "serge from Nîmes, France." "Serge" is a sturdy twill fabric, and Nîmes is a town where it was famously made. Denim was first used in American English around 1850.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

denim

The engineer—who looks like he stepped out of central casting with his dimpled grin, 6’2” frame, striped shirt and Dickies denim overalls—has been known to shed a tear of his own.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

But denim giant Levi Strauss’s optimism remained intact on Wednesday, helped by gains in tops and women’s clothing and high hopes for what it is calling “denim luxury.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

Dressed in dark trousers and a denim jacket, he discussed his life and music on the beach walk and over tea on the patio at the Viceroy hotel.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

One of Early’s other beloved characters, a Southern standup comedian named Vicky with a V who loves Maggiano’s restaurants and frequently misplaces her denim jacket, shares a similar tenderheartedness to Maddie.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

A boy with peach-fuzz blond hair and denim overalls gets off his Big Wheel to watch.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na