ENGLISH
REFERENCE

jean

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˈdʒin// UK //dʒˈiːn// jean

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.


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.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

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.

Etymology 3

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.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the fabric itself; the plural form 'jeans' is used for the garment.

Pitfall

I bought a new jeanI bought a new pair of jeansWhen referring to the clothing item, the word is always plural and requires 'a pair of' for a single item.

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