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trousers

American  
[trou-zerz] / ˈtraʊ zərz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)
  1. Also called pants.  Sometimes a usually loose-fitting outer garment for the lower part of the body, having individual leg portions that reach typically to the ankle but sometimes to any of various other points from the upper leg down.

  2. pantalets.


trousers British  
/ ˈtraʊzəz /

plural noun

  1. a garment shaped to cover the body from the waist to the ankles or knees with separate tube-shaped sections for both legs

  2. US equivalent: wear the pantsinformal to have control, esp in a marriage

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of trousers

1585–95; trouse (variant of trews ) + (draw)ers (in the sense “undergarment with legs”)

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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.

See Examples For:

She said a pair of trousers and a blazer costs her £25 each.

From BBC Aug. 24, 2026

The enduring image of Sand as a dashing figure in trousers threatens to undermine some of her traditionally feminine qualities.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 7, 2026

Sirius Academy West in Hull has hosted its first uniform approval day of the summer so children's trousers and skirts could be checked.

From BBC Aug. 4, 2026

Ross showcased several glamorous outfits, first donning a silver sequinned gown and white feather boa, then a sparkly red dress with ruffles and, lastly, a neon yellow raincoat with black trousers and top.

From BBC Aug. 3, 2026

She looked up from the table where she was mending an old pair of trousers.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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