bell-bottoms

plural noun

bell-bot·​toms ˈbel-ˈbä-təmz How to pronounce bell-bottoms (audio)
: pants with wide flaring bottoms
bell-bottom adjective

Examples of bell-bottoms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But American Vogue is the big kahuna, an indelible icon in the cultural landscape – responsible for launching careers, starting (and killing) trends, and recording the evolution of fashion from bell-bottoms to barrel jeans. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 27 June 2025 Also, wide-leg styles are having quite the moment, so don’t shy away from airy pleats or bell-bottoms. Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 17 June 2025 These classic bell-bottoms would look great with wedges or heels in the warmer months, but can also pair well with boots at other times of year. Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 June 2025 But much like those 1970s artifacts, the notion every other suburb needed a colossal shopping mall as its chief drawing card has gone the way of bell-bottoms and the corner Fotomat. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bell-bottoms

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bell-bottoms was in 1904

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Cite this Entry

“Bell-bottoms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bell-bottoms. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

bell-bottoms

plural noun
bell-bot·​toms
ˈbel-ˈbät-əmz
: pants with legs that widen out at the bottom
bell-bottom adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bell-bottoms

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