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

Example Sentences

One manufacturer’s idea of khaki or olive drab, for example, might not match another’s—a serious problem when thousands of yards of uniform fabric had to be dyed the same shade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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

Starting May 12, Starbucks will require its baristas to wear solid black tops and long-sleeved crewneck, collared or button-up shirts along with any shade of khaki, black or blue denim bottoms.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

Ahead was a mounted policeman in khaki directing traffic.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

Related Words

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