Word
jean
US/ˈdʒin/
UK/dʒˈiːn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a type of strong cotton cloth used to make trousers. You usually see this material in blue, and it is very popular for casual clothes.
n. a heavy, durable twilled cotton fabric, typically used for making trousers. Often used in the plural to refer to the garment itself.
Examples
“She wears a jacket made of blue jean.”
“The fashion designer experimented with different weights of jean to create a more flexible summer collection.”
“While originally prized for its durability in manual labour, jean has evolved into a staple of global fashion, appearing in everything from high-end couture to everyday street wear.”
Examples
simple
“She wears a jacket made of blue jean.”
contextual
“The fashion designer experimented with different weights of jean to create a more flexible summer collection.”
complex
“While originally prized for its durability in manual labour, jean has evolved into a staple of global fashion, appearing in everything from high-end couture to everyday street wear.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the fabric itself; the plural form 'jeans' is used for the garment.
Pitfall
I bought a new jean
I bought a new pair of jeans
When referring to the clothing item, the word is always plural and requires 'a pair of' for a single item.
Etymology
Variant of Jeanne, from French Jeanne, from Old French Jehane, from Medieval Latin Johanna, variant of Latin Ioanna under influence from Latin Iōhannēs, from Koine Greek Ἰωάννα (Iōánna), from Hebrew יוֹחָנָה (Yôḥānāh, literally “God is gracious”), the feminized form of יְהוֹחָנָן (Yəhōḥānān). Doublet of Ivana, Jana, Jane, Janice, Janis, Jeanne, Jen, Joan, Joanna, Joanne, Johanna, Juana, Shavonne, Sian, Siobhan, Shane, Shaun, Shauna, and Sheena. The unincorporated community in Nevada, originally named Goodsprings Junction, was renamed Jean on 28 June 1905 by postmaster George Arthur Fayle in honor of his wife.
From French Jean, from Old French Jehan, from Latin Iōhannēs, from Koine Greek Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs), from Hebrew יוחנן (Yôḥānān, literally “God is gracious”). Doublet of John, Jack, Johan, Johann, Johannes, Sean, Shaun, Shane, Ian, Evan, Ivan, Juan, and Giovanni.
A French surname from the male given name, or an English surname which originated as a variant spelling of Jayne or as a toponymic surname referring to Genoa, Italy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/jean