: leather leggings joined by a belt or lacing, often having flared outer flaps, and worn over the trousers (as by western ranch hands)

Illustration of chaps

Illustration of chaps

Examples of chaps in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His character is a tough guy in a cowboy hat and chaps. Dallas News, 2 Feb. 2023 Burberry, in a seemingly novel move, sent full denim looks down the runway with some pants reminiscent of cowboy chaps. Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 5 Jan. 2023 Lassos, rodeos, broncos, corrals, ranches, the chaps, the hats are all parts of Mexican culture. John Leguizamo, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2022 The model wore a black crop top paired with a pair of fringed chaps, showing off a pair of matching underwear underneath. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 1 Nov. 2022 Yellowstone actor Luke Grimes slipped back into his chaps as the new face of the brand's grooming and fragrance products. Brittany Talarico, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2022 The purple tassels from Joe’s riding chaps fly akimbo as the animal kicks up and down. Jose A. Del Real, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2022 In fact, the modern western is self-aware of chaps-less mis-adventurers. Jordan Calhoun, Men's Health, 2 Nov. 2022 Unfortunately, some chaps have tried to soften the accent. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chaps.' 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

modification of Mexican Spanish chaparreras

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chaps was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near chaps

Cite this Entry

“Chaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaps. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chaps

noun plural
: leather leggings worn especially by western ranch workers

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