Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of a yellowish-brown color: Describes a specific, dull, light brown color with a slight greenish or yellowish tint, often associated with military clothing and desert environments.

2. Noun:

   • A sturdy twilled cloth of a yellowish-brown color: A type of durable cotton or wool fabric, typically in this color, originally developed for military uniforms.
   • A garment made from this cloth: Often used to refer to trousers or a uniform made of khaki fabric.
   • The color itself: The name for the yellowish-brown color typical of this fabric.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • He wore a khaki shirt and trousers for the hike.
  • The walls were painted a dull khaki color.

• Noun (Fabric/Garment):

  • The soldiers' uniforms were made of heavy khaki.
  • He prefers to wear khakis to the office on casual Fridays. (Note: 'Khakis' is a common plural form referring to trousers made of this fabric.)

• Noun (Color):

  • The artist mixed yellow and brown to create the perfect khaki.

Advanced Usage

• "Khaki drill": A specific, lightweight type of khaki fabric, often starched, used for tropical military uniforms.
  • The colonial troops were issued uniforms of khaki drill.

Variants and Related Words

• Khakis (n, plural): Informal term for trousers made from khaki fabric.
  • He bought a new pair of khakis.

Synonyms

• Adjective (Color): Tan, beige, drab, olive drab.
• Noun (Fabric): Twill, drill.

Different Meanings

The core meaning consistently relates to the specific color and the fabric associated with it. Its use expanded from military contexts to general fashion (e.g., khaki pants/chinos).

Adjective

1. of a yellowish brown color

Noun

1. a sturdy twilled cloth of a yellowish brown color used especially for military uniforms