Definition

Noun (plural form, often treated as a plural noun): 1. A pair of trousers (pants) made from corduroy fabric. This term specifically refers to the garment, not the fabric itself. It is commonly used to describe casual, sturdy pants characterized by their distinctive ridged texture.

Usage Notes

• The word "corduroys" is typically used in the plural form, similar to "pants," "jeans," or "trousers." You refer to a single garment as "a pair of corduroys."
• It directly names the item of clothing. The focus is on the garment type, not the material's properties.
• While "corduroy" (uncountable noun) refers to the thick cotton fabric with parallel ridges or "cords," "corduroys" refers specifically to trousers made from that fabric.

Examples

• General Use:
  • He wore a brown tweed jacket and a pair of faded corduroys.
  • In the autumn, I like to wear my comfortable corduroys.
  • She bought new corduroys for the school year.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes imply a sense of casual, practical, or rustic style, often associated with cooler weather.
• While less common, it can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun: (though "his corduroy pants" is more standard).

Variants and Related Words

• Corduroy (uncountable noun): The thick, durable cotton fabric with a distinctive ridged pattern (wale).
  • The sofa was upholstered in soft corduroy.
• Cords (noun, informal): A common shortened, informal term for "corduroys."
  • He was dressed in a sweater and cords.

Synonyms

• Corduroy pants/trousers (more explicit phrasing).
• Cords (informal synonym).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "corduroys" has one primary meaning as defined above. It is not typically used in idioms or as a phrasal verb. Its meaning is directly tied to the garment made from the fabric called corduroy.

Noun

1. cotton trousers made of corduroy cloth