denim

noun

den·​im ˈde-nəm 

1

a

: a firm durable twilled usually cotton fabric woven with colored warp and white filling threads

b

: a similar fabric woven in colored stripes

2

denims plural : overalls or trousers usually of blue denim

denimed

ˈde-nəmd 

adjective

Did you know?

Many fabrics have been named for the places where they were once made. Denim gets its name from Nîmes, a city in France famous for its textiles. But the name came about in an unusual way. The fabric, a heavy serge, was originally called serge de Nîmes, literally, “serge from Nîmes.” The “s” on Nîmes is not pronounced in French, so when the name of the fabric came into English, it was often written serge de Nim and later serge denim. In time, this was shortened to simply denim.

Examples of denim in a Sentence

He's wearing faded denims and cowboy boots.

Recent Examples on the Web

From colorful statement pieces, to monochrome suits; denims and plaid prints, there were no crumbs left. —Essence, 29 Oct. 2024

Kaufman describes their denim, made in Italy, as having a unique twist seam that gives it a slight bell-bottom effect—a small but impactful design detail. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Plenty of celebrities seem to agree; Selena Gomez and Jessica Alba have both been photographed in high-waisted, wide-leg denim, while Reese Witherspoon wore a bootcut pair to a Hello Sunshine event this fall. —Esme Benjamin, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024

Take inspiration from Beyoncé’s album cover art, music videos or new Levi’s campaign and create an ensemble full of denim and leather, accessorising with statement cowboy boots, star motifs and a customised sash. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French (serge) de Nîmes serge of Nîmes, France

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

denim

noun

den·​im ˈden-əm 

1

: a firm durable twilled usually cotton fabric

2

plural : overalls or trousers of denim

Etymology

from French (serge) de Nîmes "serge (fabric) from Nîmes (city in France)"

Word Origin

Many fabrics have been named for the places where they were once made. Denim gets its name from Nîmes, a city in France famous for its textiles. But the name came about in an unusual way. The fabric, a heavy serge, was originally called serge de Nîmes, literally, "serge from Nîmes." The "s" on Nîmes is not pronounced in French, so when the name of the fabric came into English, it was often written serge de Nim and later serge denim. In time this was shortened to simply denim.