English Reference
noun

blazer

n.
US /ˈbɫeɪzɝ/ UK /blˈeɪzɐ/ blaz·er UK spelling blazers

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a smart jacket that you wear for school, work, or special events that is not part of a full suit.

    a lightweight, semi-formal jacket, often featuring metal buttons and sometimes a badge, worn as part of a uniform or for smart-casual occasions.

    Simple

    He wore a navy blue blazer with khaki trousers to the wedding reception.

    In context

    The school requires all senior students to wear a dark green blazer embroidered with the institution's crest during formal assemblies.

    jacketsport coat
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Literary

    something that shines or burns with a very bright light.

    an object or phenomenon that emits a powerful or brilliant light.

    Simple

    The sun was a real blazer that afternoon, reflecting off the white sand.

    In context

    The comet appeared as a magnificent blazer across the midnight sky, visible even to the naked eye for several weeks.


From blaze + -er. Originates from the 'blazing' scarlet jackets worn by members of Lady Margaret Boat Club, the rowing club associated with St. John's College, Cambridge. Compare Old English blæsere, blasere (“burner, incendiary”, literally “blazer”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated