denim

noun

den·​im ˈde-nəm How to pronounce denim (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for denim 

Word History

Etymology

French (serge) de Nîmes serge of Nîmes, France

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of denim was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near denim

Cite this Entry

“Denim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denim. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

denim

noun
den·​im ˈden-əm How to pronounce denim (audio)
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on denim

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