corduroys: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “corduroys” mean?
Trousers made from corduroy, a thick cotton fabric with vertical raised ribs (cords).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Trousers made from corduroy, a thick cotton fabric with vertical raised ribs (cords).
Informal term for corduroy trousers, often associated with casual or vintage styles. In older or historical contexts, can refer to a set of work trousers made from sturdy corduroy fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties. Americans might be slightly more likely to say 'corduroy pants' or 'corduroy trousers'. The plural form 'corduroys' for the garment is established but slightly old-fashioned/retro in both.
Connotations
Both: Casual, durable, sometimes nostalgic (1970s/1980s fashion), academic/teacherly (stereotype), autumnal. UK: May have stronger working-class historical associations. US: May have stronger 'preppy' or 'collegiate' fashion connotations.
Frequency
Low-frequency in contemporary everyday speech, but common in fashion/retail contexts. The plural form 'corduroys' is less common than the generic use of 'corduroy' as a fabric descriptor (e.g., corduroy jacket).
Grammar
How to Use “corduroys” in a Sentence
wear + corduroysdressed in + corduroysa pair of + corduroyscorduroys + be + adjectiveVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corduroys” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Corduroy (as a fabric) isn't typically verbed. No standard verb use.
American English
- Corduroy (as a fabric) isn't typically verbed. No standard verb use.
adverb
British English
- No established adverbial form.
American English
- No established adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- He wore a corduroy jacket with his corduroys, a very coordinated look.
American English
- The corduroy fabric on these vintage corduroys is surprisingly soft.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion retail: 'The autumn line features wide-leg corduroys.'
Academic
Rare in formal texts, but appears in cultural studies, fashion history, or material culture discussions.
Everyday
Casual conversation about clothing, fashion, or personal style: 'I need to dig out my old corduroys for the cooler weather.'
Technical
Textile or fashion design: discussing wale count (rib width) in corduroy fabric used for trousers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corduroys”
- Using 'a corduroys' (incorrect; must be 'a pair of corduroys').
- Confusing 'corduroys' (trousers) with 'corduroy' (fabric).
- Spelling: 'corderoys', 'corduroies'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You refer to one garment as 'a pair of corduroys'.
'Corduroy' is the uncountable noun for the fabric. 'Corduroys' is the plural countable noun specifically for trousers made from that fabric.
Almost exclusively casual or smart-casual. They are not considered formal trousers.
The etymology is uncertain. One popular folk etymology is from the French 'corde du roi' (king's cord), but linguists consider this unlikely. The true origin is obscure.
Trousers made from corduroy, a thick cotton fabric with vertical raised ribs (cords).
Corduroys: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːdərɔɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrdərɔɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed in cords”
- “Corduroy and tweed (suggests an academic/rustic style)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CORDS you ROYally wear - corduroys are trousers made from ribbed 'cords' of fabric.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS ARMOUR (durable, protective) / FASHION IS A CYCLE (retro, recurring style).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common and correct way to refer to a single garment item made of corduroy fabric?