Definition

1. Noun:
   • A garment for the legs: A piece of clothing covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg. This is the standard, countable meaning, almost always used in the plural form 'trousers'.
   • A part of a garment relating to trousers: The specific section or area of a pair of trousers, such as a pocket or leg. This use is less common and often appears in singular form when describing a specific part.

Usage

• The word 'trouser' is almost exclusively used in the singular form when referring to a specific part or attribute of the garment (e.g., , ).
• The standard word for the complete garment is the plural form 'trousers', which is treated as a single item (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun (as part of a garment):
  • He kept his keys in his trouser pocket.
  • He ripped his left trouser on the fence.
• Noun (standard plural form for the garment):
  • He bought a new pair of trousers.
  • These trousers are too long.

Advanced Usage

• "To wear the trousers" (idiom, chiefly British): To be the dominant partner in a relationship or household; to be in charge.
  • It's clear who wears the trousers in that family.

Variants and Related Words

• Trousers (n, pl): The standard term for the garment.
• Trousered (adj): Wearing trousers.
  • The trousered figure walked quickly.
• Trouser suit (n, chiefly British): A woman's suit consisting of a jacket and matching trousers.
• Trouser press (n): A device for removing creases from trousers.

Synonyms

• Pants (common in American English)
• Slacks (often refers to casual or formal trousers)
• Breeches (historical or specific types, e.g., riding breeches)

Related Phrases

• Pair of trousers: The standard way to count the item.
  • I need to buy a new pair of trousers.

Related Idioms

• Caught with one's trousers down (idiom): To be caught unprepared, in an embarrassing situation.
  • The sudden inspection caught the manager with his trousers down.

Noun

1. a garment (or part of a garment) designed for or relating to trousers
   • in his trouser's pocket
   • he ripped his left trouser on the fence
2. (usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
   • he had a sharp crease in his trousers