pajama
Americanadjective
Usage
What does pajama mean? The word pajama, without an s, is used as a modifier in terms involving pajamas—the clothes you wear to sleep in.It’s used in terms like pajama pants, pajama top, and pajama party.It is typically spelled as pyjama by speakers of British English (who use the spelling pyjamas for the noun).You could say that whatever clothes you change into before going to bed are your pajamas. Traditionally, though, pajamas are specifically made and sold as clothes for sleeping in, typically consisting of soft, loose-fitting pants or shorts and a (sometimes matching) top. There are many different types and styles, such as nightgowns. Clothes considered pajamas aren’t only worn for sleeping—many people wear them as loungewear.The word pajamas is commonly and informally abbreviated as p.j.’s, and the term p.j. can be used as an informal replacement of pajama, as in p.j. pants. The word jammies is an even more informal word for pajamas, and the word jammie can replace pajama in the same way, as in jammie pants.Example: I have a lot of pajama bottoms that I wear around the house, but I never sleep in them.
Etymology
Origin of pajama
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But if you’re considering joining the pajama party, should you think twice if your travel plans include a stop in Tampa, Fla.?
From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026
Late on a cold afternoon in March, a motorist in Belleville, Ill., came upon a young boy wandering down a busy street without shoes and wearing only a T-shirt and pajama bottoms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025
An entire pajama set is available for $248.
From Salon • Nov. 9, 2025
Attendees wear everything from full sequined looks to pajama sets with Ugg slippers.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024
Redemption took a deep breath and smoothed his palms down the cotton of his pajama pants.
From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
