trousers

[trou-zerz]

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

/ 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 pants. informal,  to have control, esp in a marriage

Other Word Forms

• trouserless adjective
• trousered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trousers¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of trousers¹

C17: from earlier trouse , a variant of _trews , influenced by _drawers

Example Sentences

Police are now trading the familiar turquoise-and-blue uniforms for iron-grey shirts and chocolate-brown trousers.

Read more on Barron's

After a bit of practice walking in trousers, which she rather liked once she got used to it, she ventured on deck.

Read more on Literature

“Careful, children! If the trousers get torn, you will have to mend them yourself, Alexander.”

Read more on Literature

He wore khaki trousers tucked into tall leather boots, a safari jacket, and a pith helmet.

Read more on Literature

He cut a very dashing figure, to be sure, in a trim scarlet tunic over deep blue trousers, with a spotless white belt cinched about his waist.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• knickers 
• slacks