Pants
/pænts/
Definitions
2 meaningsA garment with two legs, covering the body from the waist to the ankles.
/pænts/
A garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles.
He wore black pants to the interview.
💡 Simply: Imagine your legs needing a hug – pants are like that hug, but for your legs! They keep you covered from the waist down.
👶 For kids: Pants are clothes that cover your legs! They have two holes for your legs to go in.
More Examples
I need to buy a new pair of pants.
These pants are too tight.
How It's Used
"She bought a new pair of pants for the party."
"He spilled coffee on his pants."
To breathe quickly and with short gasps, as after exertion or excitement.
/pænts/
To breathe quickly and heavily.
The dog was panting in the heat.
💡 Simply: Panting is like when you're running really fast, or super excited, and you're breathing really hard and fast. Your body needs more air!
👶 For kids: When you run a lot or are super happy, sometimes you breathe fast and your mouth opens and closes really quickly. That's panting!
More Examples
She was panting after climbing the stairs.
He could hear the dog panting.
How It's Used
"After running a marathon, she was panting heavily."
"He was panting with fear."
Idioms & expressions
pants on fire
Lying; not telling the truth.
"His story is pants on fire, I don't believe him."
From Middle English 'pantis', plural of 'pante', a garment that covered the thighs and hips, derived from Old French 'pante' (plural 'pantes'), related to the verb 'pandre' meaning to pant, stretch out or expand. Modern usage in the plural reflects the two legs.
The word 'pants' replaced the word 'breeches' and 'trousers' in informal settings in the 19th century in the US, before gaining widespread use across the English speaking world.
Memory tip
Think of the two legs, just like a panting dog has two sides. Pants have two legs!
Word Origin
"To pant, stretch out or expand."