combat trousers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Casual, Everyday, Fashion, Retail
Quick answer
What does “combat trousers” mean?
Sturdy, practical trousers originally designed for military use, characterised by multiple large pockets on the thighs and often a loose fit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sturdy, practical trousers originally designed for military use, characterised by multiple large pockets on the thighs and often a loose fit.
A style of casual trousers, often made from cotton canvas, that have been adopted into mainstream fashion, featuring the signature cargo pocket design. They can signify a utilitarian, practical, or casual style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'combat trousers' is the most common term. In American English, the equivalent term is almost exclusively 'cargo pants' or 'cargo trousers'. The term 'BDU trousers' (Battle Dress Uniform) is used for the actual military issue garment.
Connotations
In the UK, the term has a slight stylistic nuance, sometimes associated with specific subcultures (e.g., 90s Britpop). In the US, 'cargo pants' is a purely descriptive fashion/retail term.
Frequency
'Combat trousers' is of medium frequency in UK English. It is rare to non-existent in general US English, where 'cargo pants' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “combat trousers” in a Sentence
He wore [combat trousers] to the festival.She prefers [combat trousers] to jeans for hiking.The shop sells a variety of [combat trousers].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “combat trousers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He combatted the cold weather with thermals.
American English
- She combated the regulations with a lawsuit.
adjective
British English
- The combat-ready troops were prepared.
American English
- The pilot has extensive combat experience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in retail/fashion business (e.g., 'Our summer line features lightweight combat trousers').
Academic
Rare; might appear in cultural studies discussing fashion or military history.
Everyday
Common in UK English for describing casual clothing. Common in US English as 'cargo pants'.
Technical
Used in military contexts and textile/garment manufacturing specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “combat trousers”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “combat trousers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “combat trousers”
- Using 'combat trousers' in the US and being misunderstood. Treating it as a mass noun (e.g., 'I like combat trouser' instead of 'trousers' or 'a pair of...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. They refer to the same style of trousers with large thigh pockets. 'Combat trousers' is the common British term, while 'cargo pants' is the common American term.
No, combat trousers are strictly informal/casual wear. They are unsuitable for formal or business settings.
Their defining functional feature is the presence of one or more large, patch-style pockets typically located on the sides of the thighs, originally designed for carrying military field gear.
It is a plural noun, like 'trousers' or 'jeans'. You refer to 'a pair of combat trousers' or 'these combat trousers'.
Sturdy, practical trousers originally designed for military use, characterised by multiple large pockets on the thighs and often a loose fit.
Combat trousers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒm.bæt ˌtraʊ.zəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːm.bæt ˌtraʊ.zɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed for combat (humorous, implying ready for a difficult, non-military situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMBAT soldiers need trousers with many pockets for gear. These are COMBAT TROUSERS.
Conceptual Metaphor
UTILITY IS STORAGE (the many pockets represent high utility and preparedness).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most likely to be used in an American clothing store?