jean

noun

ˈjēn 

plural jeans

1

: a durable twilled cotton cloth used especially for sportswear and work clothes

2

usually jeans

ˈjēnz 

: pants usually made of denim or jean

… strolling with royal puppy Lupo through Kensington Gardens near the couple's two-bedroom cottage in a pair of jeans and rain boots.

—Alicia Dennis et al.

Millions of people today buy designer jeans for double the price of equally durable generic jeans …

—Jared Diamond

see also blue jeans, mom jeans

Examples of jean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roomy jeans, versatile blouses, and lightweight layers are just some of the key pieces in the actress’ typical look. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025

This one pairs effortlessly with jeans and sneakers or a long-sleeve layer for chilly days. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025

The dark wash, unisex pieces, which span skinny and boot cut jeans, a maxi skirt, capri pants, a jumpsuit and jacket, are finished with contrasting white stitching. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 28 Mar. 2025

Her straight-leg jeans are a relaxed silhouette—not baggy, but not quite fitted—and her trench coat is kept open and unbelted. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

short for jean fustian, from Middle English Gene Genoa, Italy + fustian

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing jean

• jean shorts

Rhymes for jean

• bean
• bein
• bien
• bouin
• chine
• clean
• deen
• diene
• gene
• glean
• keen
• lien

Kids Definition

jean

noun

ˈjēn 

1

: a heavy cotton cloth used especially for sportswear and work clothes

2

plural : pants made of jean, denim, or corduroy

Etymology

a shortened form of earlier jean fustian, literally "a fustian (heavy cotton cloth) from Genoa," from Middle English Gene "Genoa, Italy"