khaki

[ kak-ee, kah-kee ]

noun

, plural khak·is.

1. dull yellowish brown.
2. a stout, twilled cotton cloth of this color, used especially in making uniforms.
3. Usually khakis. (used with a plural verb)
   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 Words From

• khaki·like 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 wool naturally cuts down on stink, so I can keep them on for two or even three days in a row, they’re padded enough for long hikes, and their basic patterns look great with jeans and khakis alike.

From Outside Online

Croft was given a gothic look, trading out her classic wardrobe of tank tops and khaki shorts for denim, leather and sunglasses.

From Washington Post

Two women in khaki shorts and polos watched us and made notes, one on a clipboard, the other dictating into a small recorder.

From MIT Technology Review

Crown moldings and office folders come in the same khaki color.

From Washington Post

Sergei was wearing his uniform off-duty when I met him: a khaki t-shirt and a pair of army surplus pants.

From The Daily Beast

Sanders is dressed in a blue oxford shirt and ill-fitting creased khaki dress pants.

From The Daily Beast

Bergdahl was dressed in a white dress shirt with a blue tie and sporting plain pocket khaki pants.

From The Daily Beast

The ribbed khaki look could also came on sporty-looking trousers which tied at the ankles.

From The Daily Beast

He wore simple khaki pants and a light blue button-up shirt—no leather skirts.

From The Daily Beast

He was dressed in khaki—a garb much affected by transcontinental automobile tourists.

From Project Gutenberg

The Adventure Girls were dressed alike in brown breeches, leather boots, and khaki shirts with brown silk ties to match.

From Project Gutenberg

Gwynne wore his khaki riding-clothes, but it was doubtful if any one would be critical in San Francisco that morning.

From Project Gutenberg

From the lowest buckle he went on to the top one, where Cash's khaki trousers were tucked inside with a deep fold on top.

From Project Gutenberg

Susie Billings, minus her khaki and cartridges, looked the picture of demureness in white muslin and baby-blue ribbons.

From Project Gutenberg