culottes

[ koo-lots, kyoo- ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Sometimes culotte. women's pants, usually knee-length or calf-length, cut full to resemble a skirt.

culottes

/ kjuːˈlɒts /

plural noun

1. women's flared trousers cut to look like a skirt

Word History and Origins

Origin of culottes¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from French: literally, “breeches,” equivalent to cul “rump” + -ottes, plural of -otte, feminine of -ot noun suffix. See culet

Word History and Origins

Origin of culottes¹

C20: from French, literally: breeches, from cul bottom; see culet

Example Sentences

It has an incredible structure that allows it to transform into an off-the-shoulder dress and culottes.

From Los Angeles Times

The hosts were clad in matching white blouses, thick black-rimmed glasses, leather culottes and spacey skintight berets.

From New York Times

Among his stage costumes in those years, for example, were seashell culottes and red high heels.

From Seattle Times

To that end there were slightly off-centered suit jackets with culottes worn fetchingly, and modestly, with dark tights.

From Seattle Times

The modern silhouette includes culottes — a hot trend in Milan for next spring and summer — and leather Obi belts that shape crisp cotton dresses or corresponding cotton shirt-short sets for men.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dress
• kilt
• petticoat
• sarong