“Pants” usually means a piece of clothing that covers your legs from the waist down. In American English, it refers to what many people wear as trousers. In British English, though, “pants” usually means underwear.
People use the word every day when talking about clothes, shopping, getting dressed, or choosing what to wear. The meaning depends on the English variety being used, so it is important to know whether someone is speaking American or British English.
Meaning & Usage
In the U.S. and many other places, “pants” means outer clothing for the legs. For example, you might say, “I need to buy new pants” or “These pants are too tight.” In the U.K., people usually say “trousers” for this meaning.
Examples
She wore black pants to work.
He spilled coffee on his pants.
I bought a new pair of pants yesterday.
Does “pants” mean underwear in British English?
Yes. In British English, “pants” commonly means underwear, not outer clothing.
What is the American English meaning of “pants”?
In American English, “pants” means clothing worn on the lower body, like jeans, dress pants, or sweatpants.
What word do British people use instead of “pants”?
British people usually say “trousers” for the clothing Americans call “pants.”
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