khaki

[ kak-ee, kah-kee ]

noun

, plural khak·is.

1. dull yellowish brown.
2. a stout, twilled cotton cloth of this color, used especially in making uniforms.
3. Usually khakis. (used with a plural verb)
   1. a uniform made of this cloth, especially a military uniform.
   2. a garment made of this cloth, especially trousers.
4. a similar fabric of wool.

adjective

1. of the color khaki.
2. made of khaki.

khaki

/ ˈkɑːkɪ /

noun

1. 1. a dull yellowish-brown colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a khaki background

2. 1. a hard-wearing fabric of this colour, used esp for military uniforms
   2. ( as modifier )

      a khaki jacket

Other Words From

• khaki·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of khaki¹

First recorded in 1855–60; from Urdu, from Persian khākī “dusty,” equivalent to khāk “dust” + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of khaki¹

C19: from Urdu, from Persian: dusty, from khāk dust

Example Sentences

This is why, sweating in a black polo and khaki slacks, affable and smiling, Wallnau promised the members of the faithful in Michigan that they would be shortly hearing from God.

From Slate

The plaid shirt, the khaki hiking pants, the brown hiking boots, even the dumb floppy hat, all checked out.

From Slate

Drafted in May 1952, he spent the next two seasons playing ball in khaki, then was discharged in March 1954, just in time to have the finest season of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

Surrounding him was a sea of people clad in khaki and red, the saint’s colors.

From Seattle Times

Segura, wearing an untucked black collared shirt, khaki pants and thick glasses, leaned forward attentively as his attorney spoke.

From Seattle Times