khaki

American  

[kak-ee, kah-kee] / ˈkæk i, ˈkɑ ki /

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.

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adjective

1. of the color khaki.

2. made of khaki.

khaki British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• khakilike adjective

Etymology

Origin of khaki

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

Explanation

Khaki is a type of fabric commonly used in uniforms, and the typical color of this fabric is also known as khaki. If you wear khaki pants and a white t-shirt every day, you might try spicing up your wardrobe with a bright floral print or a purple fedora. Khaki is a heavy-duty cotton fabric in a drab yellowish-brown shade. Khaki uniforms became common in the military because the fabric is both sturdy and inconspicuous. After British troops started wearing khaki in the 19th century, they became known as "the Khakis." Today a pair of khakis is just your everyday cotton trousers — you can also call them chinos. Khaki comes from the Persian word for "dust," khak.

Example Sentences

On Thursday, wearing green khaki prison jumpsuits, Maduro and his wife sat quietly with several lawyers in-between them as they listened to a translation of the arguments through headphones.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Dressed like the Kurdish fighters he once served alongside, Barsirini still wears the khaki shalwar, fitted jacket and scarf wrapped around his waist.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

Usually, she liked wearing khaki pants, a simple blouse, and loafers.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2025

If you’re lucky enough to attend a Ryder Cup, you are supposed to wear your best khaki shorts, get a sunburn and keep your trap shut during the pressure shots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

She’s wearing khaki shorts and a blue polo shirt, like a camp counselor.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

Related Words

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