First Known Use: 1800
Dictionary
pajamas
noun plural pa·ja·mas \-məz\
: clothing that people wear in bed or while relaxing at home
: loose pants that are worn in some parts of Asia and the Middle East
Full Definition of PAJAMAS
1
: loose lightweight trousers formerly much worn in the Near East
2
: a loose usually two-piece lightweight suit designed especially for sleeping or lounging —called also pj's
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PAJAMAS
plural of pajama
Other Clothing Terms
PAJAMAS Defined for Kids
pajamas
noun plural pa·ja·mas \pə-ˈjä-məz, -ˈja-\
Definition of PAJAMAS for Kids
: clothes usually consisting of pants and top that are worn for sleeping
Word History of PAJAMAS
When the English went to India they saw many people wearing light, loose trousers. In Hindi, a major language of northern India, these trousers were called pājāma. This word had been borrowed by Hindi speakers from Persian, a language of Iran. In Persian pājāma is a compound made up of pā-, “foot, leg” and jāma, “garment.” The English adopted both the word and the loose trousers from Hindi, using the trousers in place of a nightshirt to sleep in.
Learn More About PAJAMAS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: PajitanianPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pajama partyAll Words Near: pajamas
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up pajamas? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).