pajama

American  

[puh-jah-muh, -jam-uh] / pəˈdʒɑ mə, -ˈdʒæm ə /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling pajamas.

   a pajama top; a lounging outfit with pajama pants.

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Usage

What does pajama mean? The word pajama, without an s, is used as a modifier in terms involving pajamas—the clothes you wear to sleep in. It’s used in terms like pajama pants, pajama top, and pajama party. It is typically spelled as pyjama by speakers of British English (who use the spelling pyjamas for the noun). You could say that whatever clothes you change into before going to bed are your pajamas. Traditionally, though, pajamas are specifically made and sold as clothes for sleeping in, typically consisting of soft, loose-fitting pants or shorts and a (sometimes matching) top. There are many different types and styles, such as nightgowns. Clothes considered pajamas aren’t only worn for sleeping—many people wear them as loungewear. The word pajamas is commonly and informally abbreviated as p.j.’s, and the term p.j. can be used as an informal replacement of pajama, as in p.j. pants. The word jammies is an even more informal word for pajamas, and the word jammie can replace pajama in the same way, as in jammie pants. Example: I have a lot of pajama bottoms that I wear around the house, but I never sleep in them.

Etymology

Origin of pajama

see origin at pajamas

Explanation

Pajamas are clothes made for sleeping in. When you're not feeling well, there's nothing better than putting on your pajamas, climbing into bed, and having someone bring you a cup of tea. Pajamas is always plural — it's got that in common with words like pants, shorts, and trousers. Like these other plural clothing words, pajamas have two legs — they're like a loose, soft, and very comfortable pair of pants. This word started out in 1800 as two: pai jamahs, "loose trousers tied at the waist," worn by Europeans in imitation of traditional Indian Muslim clothing. The Persian root, paejamah, combines pae, "leg," and jamah, "clothing."

Example Sentences

But if you’re considering joining the pajama party, should you think twice if your travel plans include a stop in Tampa, Fla.?

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Late on a cold afternoon in March, a motorist in Belleville, Ill., came upon a young boy wandering down a busy street without shoes and wearing only a T-shirt and pajama bottoms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

There in the forest, the models seemed at home as fairies in pajama gowns with swirling prints and pops of light.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

An entire pajama set is available for $248.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2025

Too cool, I put my pajama top on.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell