Definition

Noun: 1. A coarse, durable cotton fabric: A strong, heavy cotton cloth, typically woven in a twill pattern (diagonal ribs), originally used for work clothing. 2. (Chiefly British, plural: dungarees): A one-piece garment consisting of trousers and a bib held up by straps over the shoulders; overalls.

Examples

• Noun (Fabric):
  • The workmen's jackets were made of sturdy dungaree.
  • Traditional dungaree fabric is known for its toughness and resistance to wear.
• Noun (Garment - plural form):
  • The mechanic wore blue dungarees while fixing the engine.
  • She put on her dungarees before starting to paint the room.

Advanced Usage

• The term "dungaree" for the fabric originates from the Hindi word , referring to a specific type of coarse cloth from a village near Mumbai.
• In modern usage, especially in American English, the fabric is more commonly referred to as denim, while "dungarees" persists as a term for the garment (overalls).

Variants and Related Words

• Denim (n): A similar, often more refined, durable cotton twill fabric, typically used for jeans. While historically distinct, "denim" is now the predominant term for the fabric, and "dungaree" is often used interchangeably or to denote a heavier, workwear-grade version.
• Overalls (n): The most common synonym for the garment sense of "dungarees," especially in American English.

Synonyms

• For the fabric: Heavy cotton, work cloth, twill.
• For the garment: Overalls, bib-and-brace overalls, boiler suit (UK).

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Blue dungarees: A common phrase emphasizing the classic, traditional workwear image, as the fabric was often dyed blue with indigo.
  • He had the look of an old-fashioned farmer in his blue dungarees.

Noun

1. a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric