bloomers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, Informal (for the 'mistake' sense).
Quick answer
What does “bloomers” mean?
A type of loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee or below, historically worn by women as undergarments or for athletic activities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee or below, historically worn by women as undergarments or for athletic activities.
A term for a foolish mistake or blunder (chiefly British, "to make a bloomer"). Also refers to a plant that blooms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'bloomer' is the common informal term for a stupid mistake. In the US, this sense is virtually unknown. The garment sense is understood in both, but is historical.
Connotations
In the US, exclusively historical/literary. In the UK, can be either historical or (as 'bloomer') humorously informal for a gaffe.
Frequency
Rare in modern active use for the garment in both varieties. The 'mistake' sense is moderately common in UK speech but still informal.
Grammar
How to Use “bloomers” in a Sentence
to wear (a pair of) bloomersto be dressed in bloomersto make a bloomer (UK)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, fashion, or gender studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare; if used, likely historical reference or UK-specific 'mistake'.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bloomers”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bloomers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bloomers”
- Using 'bloomers' to mean modern shorts or athletic wear (it's specifically historical).
- Using the 'mistake' sense in American English where it is not understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun, always used with a plural verb (e.g., 'The bloomers were uncomfortable'). The singular 'bloomer' refers to the mistake, a loaf of bread, or a person/plant that blooms.
No. It refers specifically to a historical style of loose-legged undergarment. Using it for modern underwear would sound archaic or humorous.
Named after Amelia Bloomer (1818–1894), an American women's rights activist who promoted this style of clothing as a more practical alternative to restrictive dresses.
It's a UK informal phrase. Example: 'I made a bit of a bloomer—I accidentally sent the email to the whole company instead of just my boss.'
A type of loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee or below, historically worn by women as undergarments or for athletic activities.
Bloomers is usually historical, informal (for the 'mistake' sense). in register.
Bloomers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbluː.məz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbluː.mɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a bloomer (UK)”
- “a proper bloomer (UK)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a flower (bloom) that made an embarrassing mistake—it wore its great-great-grandmother's old-fashioned baggy trousers.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SOCIAL CONSTRAINT / A MISTAKE IS A BLOOMING FLOWER (sudden, noticeable).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English can 'bloomer' mean a silly mistake?