jeans

jeans · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Casual trousers made from denim or other sturdy cotton fabric, typically blue, with riveted seams.

  2. 2.

    (informal) Any casual pants.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    blue jeans — the classic indigo-dyed denim jeans
  • •
    skinny jeans — tight-fitting jeans
  • •
    mom jeans — high-waisted, loose-fitting jeans (named for their association with mothers in the 1980s-90s)
  • •
    ripped jeans — jeans with intentional tears or holes

Related words

See also: denim, jean, pants, trousers
Synonyms: blue jeans, denims, dungarees

Etymology

From Old French Jannes, short for Genes ("Genoa"), referring to the Italian city where a similar fabric was made. The modern style of jeans was popularized by Levi Strauss in the mid-19th century California during the Gold Rush.