khaki

[kak-ee, kah-kee]

noun

plural

khakis 

1. dull yellowish brown.

2. a stout, twilled cotton cloth of this color, used especially in making uniforms.

3. (used with a plural verb),  Usually khakis.

   1. a uniform made of this cloth, especially a military uniform.

   2. a garment made of this cloth, especially trousers.

4. a similar fabric of wool.

adjective

1. of the color khaki.

2. made of khaki.

khaki

/ ˈkɑːkɪ /

noun

1. 1. a dull yellowish-brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a khaki background

2. 1. a hard-wearing fabric of this colour, used esp for military uniforms

   2. ( as modifier )

      a khaki jacket

Other Word Forms

• khakilike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of khaki¹

First recorded in 1855–60; from Urdu, from Persian khākī “dusty,” equivalent to khāk “dust” + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of khaki¹

C19: from Urdu, from Persian: dusty, from khāk dust

Example Sentences

He wore khaki trousers tucked into tall leather boots, a safari jacket, and a pith helmet.

Read more on Literature

The man was seen walking in formation to the war memorial with a colleague, also dressed in a khaki uniform.

Read more on BBC

They came dressed in khakis and polo shirts and were surrounded by burly men in tight black t-shirts who appeared to be taking the day off from hunting illegal immigrants with the local militia.

Read more on Literature

In college I was skipped for an intramural team because a girl reviewing the candidates found a photo of me online, slumping in huge khakis.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The men, wearing khakis, navy blue shirts and white gaiters concealing their faces, marched down Main Street toward the beach holding a picture of Kirk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attire 
• costume 
• dress 
• garb 
• gown 
• regalia 
• robe 
• suit