Illustration of chaps
chaps
plural noun
: leather leggings joined by a belt or lacing, often having flared outer flaps, and worn over the trousers (as by western ranch hands)
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
See More
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
See More
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
Dictionary Entries Near chaps
Cite this Entry
“Chaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaps. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on chaps
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chaps
Nglish: Translation of chaps for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of chaps for Arabic Speakers
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