long johns

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. long underwear, especially for winter use.

---

long johns British  

plural noun

1. informal underpants with long legs

---

Etymology

Origin of long johns

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

There was a pervasive smell of what I would learn was wet, sweaty long johns.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2025

This time period also brought the introduction of union suits—predecessors of long johns and onesies—to meet the needs of both men and women.

From National Geographic • Jan. 9, 2024

Teams dress in layers — long johns, hats, gloves and hand warmers for the frigid overnight and morning hours.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

The May Company opened for business in Leadville, Colo., in 1877, selling Levi’s and long johns to miners.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2021

Wearing a handlebar mustache and calf-high caulk boots, frayed suspenders and woolen long johns, he’d labored in the service of the Port Jefferson Mill Company for four and a half years.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson