chinos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral/Informal
Quick answer
What does “chinos” mean?
A type of casual trousers, typically made from a light cotton twill fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of casual trousers, typically made from a light cotton twill fabric.
In fashion, chinos refer to smart-casual pants characterized by their tailored fit, clean lines, and versatility between casual and semi-formal wear. The term can also refer to the colour 'khaki' or similar shades like beige, tan, or stone, named after the original military fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'chinos' might be perceived as slightly more fashion-conscious or specific than generic 'trousers.' In American English, it's a standard term for casual dress pants, often contrasted with jeans or formal suit trousers.
Connotations
UK: Smart-casual, office-wear on 'dress-down Friday,' weekend wear. US: Preppy, classic, versatile staples of a casual wardrobe.
Frequency
More frequent in US English but widely understood and used in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “chinos” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + [a pair of] chinos[Subject] + be dressed in + chinosChinos + go with + [item of clothing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chinos” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He prefers a chino fabric for summer.
- The chino colour is very popular this season.
American English
- She owns several chino skirts.
- Look for chino-style pants in the catalogue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Appropriate for business-casual or smart-casual dress codes.
Academic
Rare in academic texts except in fashion studies or cultural studies discussing dress.
Everyday
Common in descriptions of clothing, shopping, and personal style.
Technical
Used in textile, manufacturing, and fashion retail contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinos”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chinos”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinos”
- Using 'chino' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I bought some chino'). The standard is 'a pair of chinos' or 'chinos.'
- Confusing 'chinos' (garment) with 'khaki' (primarily a colour).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, they are often used interchangeably. Technically, 'khaki' is a colour, and 'chinos' are the trousers, often made in khaki. Some distinguish khakis as more casual and chinos as more tailored.
It depends on the company culture. For creative or tech industries, dark-coloured, well-fitted chinos with a blazer might be acceptable. For formal corporate roles, traditional suit trousers are safer.
The word comes from Spanish 'chino' meaning 'toasted' or 'parched,' referring to the khaki colour. The trousers were originally worn by the US military in the Philippines and were associated with Chinese (chino) twill cloth.
Modern chinos should have a tailored but not tight fit. They typically sit at the waist, have a straight or slightly tapered leg, and should break slightly on the shoe. The fit is smarter than most jeans.
A type of casual trousers, typically made from a light cotton twill fabric.
Chinos is usually neutral/informal in register.
Chinos: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːnəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːnoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed in chinos and a polo (describes a classic smart-casual outfit)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHInos are CHIcc (chic) casual trousers.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SOCIAL SIGNAL (indicating relaxed formality, approachability).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'chinos'?