Definition

1. Noun:
   • A coarse, durable twill-weave cotton fabric: Denim is a sturdy cotton textile woven with a characteristic diagonal ribbing (twill weave). It is most famously used to make jeans.
   • (usually plural) Close-fitting trousers made of this fabric: The word "denims" often refers to jeans or similar sturdy pants designed for manual work or casual wear.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fabric):
  • The jacket is made from heavy blue denim.
  • Denim is known for its strength and durability.
• Noun (Garment - usually plural):
  • He wore his old denims to work in the garden.
  • She bought a new pair of denims.

Advanced Usage

• "Denim on denim": A fashion style involving wearing multiple denim garments together, such as a denim jacket with denim jeans.
  • The "Canadian tuxedo" is a classic example of denim on denim.
• As a modifier: Denim is frequently used as an adjective to describe other nouns.
  • She prefers a denim skirt. (Here, "denim" describes the material of the skirt.)
  • The store has a large denim section.

Variants and Related Words

• Jeans (n): The most common type of garment made from denim, specifically referring to trousers.
  • Blue jeans are a global fashion staple.
• Chambray (n): A lighter, plain-weave cotton fabric that is sometimes confused with denim but lacks the distinctive twill weave.
• Serge de Nîmes: The historical French fabric from the city of Nîmes, from which the word "denim" is derived.

Synonyms

• Blue jean fabric: A common synonym emphasizing the classic color and end use.
• Dungaree (n, chiefly British): A term for a similar sturdy cotton fabric or for denim trousers (dungarees).

Related Phrases

• Raw denim: Denim that has not been washed or treated after dyeing, allowing it to develop unique fades with wear.
  • Enthusiasts enjoy breaking in a pair of raw denim jeans.
• Selvedge denim: A high-quality denim woven on old-style shuttle looms, producing a self-finished edge that prevents unraveling.
  • Selvedge denim is often used in premium jeans.

Noun

1. a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
2. (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear