Pants

Definition

Pants is a plural noun. It refers to a piece of clothing worn from the waist down, covering each leg separately. In American English, "pants" commonly refers to trousers, while in British English, it often refers to undergarments (underpants).

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pænts/
• Respelling: pants

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pænts/
• Respelling: pants

Etymology

The word "pants" is a shortened form of "pantaloons," which originated from the French "pantalon." This term traces back to Italian "Pantaleone," a commedia dell'arte character known for wearing tight trousers. The modern use of the term began in the 19th century.

Derivatives

• Pant (noun/verb)
• Pantaloons (noun, historical)
• Underpants (noun)
• Panting (adjective/verb)
• Overpants (noun)

Synonyms

• Trousers
• Slacks
• Legwear

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "pants" is commonly used to describe lower-body garments. For example, "He wore formal pants to the meeting," or "In the UK, 'pants' can also mean undergarments."

Related Terms

• Shorts: Garments similar to pants but shorter, ending above the knees.
• Leggings: Tight-fitting lower garments covering the legs.
• Jeans: A type of durable pants typically made of denim.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A garment covering the lower half of the body, with separate sections for each leg:
  • Example: "She bought a new pair of pants for work."
• In British English, undergarments worn beneath outer clothing:
  • Example: "He packed several pairs of pants for the trip."