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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

They were medium-handsome, in their 70s, and dressed dapperly in khaki slacks and navy sport coats bearing name tags that identified them as Bill and Frank.

From Salon

He was wearing a black hoodie with a zip, khaki trousers and Nike trainers, and the black balaclava.

From BBC

Wearing a crisp outfit of brown khakis, an Ecuador soccer jersey, Harold Lloyd-style glasses and a 1988 Dodgers World Series championship ring that was simultaneously brilliant yet understated, he greeted them all by name.

From Los Angeles Times

These pants were usually khakis speckled with paint and cigarette ash.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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