# chino

/ˈtʃinoʊ/ (US) · /tʃˈiːnəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chino
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a type of strong cotton cloth used to make trousers. It is also the name for the trousers themselves, which are usually light brown and look a bit more formal than jeans.

For teachers: a durable, twilled cotton fabric, or trousers made from this material. Typically associated with a 'smart-casual' dress code and most frequently appearing in a light brown or khaki shade.

## Examples

- He wore a pair of blue chinos to the office.
- Since the wedding had a relaxed dress code, he decided to wear tan chinos and a linen shirt instead of a suit.
- The popularity of the chino as a staple of menswear originated in military uniforms, where the fabric's durability and neutral tones provided both utility and a professional appearance.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the garment, it is often used in the plural ('chinos') or with the phrase 'a pair of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.