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

Miss Culley appeared in court wearing a black t-shirt and trousers and looking visibly pregnant.

From BBC

Anderson, who describes himself as “anti-fashion,” is wearing the same uniform he’s worn for the better part of two decades: an impeccably cut shirt and a pair of tight cocktail trousers.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Harrison, who has modeled in campaigns for J. Crew and Topshop, wore a bodice and trousers with a sheer overlay on top.

From Los Angeles Times

Sitting in a wheelchair, with thin, grey hair, wearing a loose T-shirt and fleece pyjama trousers, she said she did not like people feeling pity for her, but she needed money to cover the basics.

From BBC

Some parents use school uniform banks where they can pick up everything from blazers, trousers and ties to clean underwear and shoes for free.

From BBC

Related Words

• knickers 
• slacks