pajamas

plural noun

pa·​ja·​mas pə-ˈjä-məz How to pronounce pajamas (audio)
-ˈja-
1
: loose lightweight trousers formerly much worn in the Near East
2
: a loose usually two-piece lightweight suit designed especially for sleeping or lounging

called also pj's

Examples of pajamas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In a photo shared to Instagram, Richie wore a set of chic pajamas, surrounded by pink and silver balloons. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2023 Who would turn down supremely soft cashmere, luxury leather goods, or a new pair of pajamas? Madeline Fass, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2022 There’s nothing more elegant and effortless than a classic set of black silk pajamas. Natalie Alcala, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2022 Her other brother, Todd Rochow, 63, was in his room, changing out of pajamas. Corina Knoll, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2022 Manning says, while wearing a set of red pajamas with the No. 18 on them. Matthew Vantryon, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Sep. 2022 A few days later and a few miles down the road, Dr. Merci Ortenzi Treaster was in her Decatur home, going about her evening routine: a shower, a fresh pair of pajamas and an hour or so of Netflix until her son fell asleep. Adam Kincaid, ajc, 26 July 2022 During his current tour in the U.K. and Europe, Styles has worn several outfits that mimic the style of these pajamas. Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE.com, 14 July 2022 But, there's no scientific backing that there's only one style of pajamas for women that can induce sweet dreams and optimal snoozing. Aemilia Madden, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pajamas.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

plural of pajama

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pajamas was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near pajamas

Cite this Entry

“Pajamas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pajamas. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pajamas

noun plural
pa·​ja·​mas pə-ˈjäm-əz How to pronounce pajamas (audio)
-ˈjam-
: a loose lightweight usually two-piece garment worn for sleeping or lounging
Etymology

from Hindi pājāma "loose lightweight trousers," from Persian "leg" and Persian jāma "garment"

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!