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 pants.  informal to have control, esp in a marriage

---

Other Word Forms

• trousered
  adjective
• trouserless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of trousers

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

Compare meaning

How does trousers compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• trousers vs. slacks

Example Sentences

Suleiman appeared in the dock on Friday wearing a police-issued grey sweatshirt and trousers.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

After the show, we grabbed a few minutes with the 71-year-old rock star, who wore a beaded vest and tight silver-and-black trousers and sipped from a red plastic cup.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Damson Idris watched models styling their kits with flared trousers, distressed denim and micro-shorts.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

It’s high season in Palm Beach, Fla., and for some bold male dressers, that means awfully bright trousers, worn with a wink.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

She awoke to find her cabin boy’s trousers and warm knit sweater on the foot of her bed, neatly folded and smelling of fresh soap and wood smoke.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• knickers
• slacks