bell-bottom

American  

[bel-bot-uhm] / ˈbɛlˌbɒt əm /

adjective

1. Also bell-bottomed. (of trousers) wide and flaring at the bottoms of the legs.

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noun

1. (used with a plural verb) bell-bottoms, bell-bottom trousers.

Etymology

Origin of bell-bottom

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

“That was a song about fashion changes in the ’60s with bell-bottom hip-huggers and high-heeled boots and all the different styles of clothes the girls were wearing — hot pants and all that stuff.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2025

The set is a faithful recreation of Bob Marley & The Wailers' Exodus tour, filled with extras in paisley shirts, bell-bottom flares and false moustaches.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2024

Yet Carl, from flooffy head to bell-bottom hems, is the epitome of soft power and hardened ego.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2023

Elle King showed up resplendent in red, a bell-bottom trouser suit with an ultra-wide brim hat to match.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2022

I asked Twig as she rolled the dice and moved her little bell-bottom game piece across the board.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller