Denim

/ˈdɛnɪm/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

1

A strong, durable cotton fabric with a twill weave, typically used for making jeans, jackets, and other casual clothing.

/ˈdɛnɪm/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A durable twill-weave cotton fabric, typically blue, used for jeans, work clothes, and other items.

She wore a denim jacket over her T-shirt.

💡 Simply: Denim is like the strong stuff that makes your favorite jeans! It's also used to make jackets and other clothes.

👶 For kids: Denim is the strong fabric that jeans are made of.

More Examples

2

The store had a large selection of denim jeans in various styles.

3

The workers wore denim overalls as part of their uniform.

How It's Used

Fashion

"Denim is a popular choice for jeans due to its durability and versatility."

Clothing Industry

"The company specializes in the production of high-quality denim."

Idioms & expressions

denim on denim

Wearing a complete outfit made of denim, such as a denim shirt and jeans.

"She rocked the denim on denim look with a denim jacket and jeans."

From French 'serge de Nîmes' ('serge from Nîmes'), a type of durable twill fabric originally made in Nîmes, France. The fabric was later popularized in the United States as workwear, especially for jeans.

Denim's use began as a durable fabric for workwear. Its association with the working class gradually evolved, becoming a popular clothing item in the 20th century.

Memory tip

Think of the tough material your jeans are made of.

Word Origin

LanguageFrench
Original meaning

"Serge from Nîmes (a city in France)"

denim jeansdenim jacketdenim fabriclight denimdark denim

Common misspellings

denimmdenimmdenimn

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written