: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for chaps 

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 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chaps

plural noun
: leather leggings worn especially by western ranch workers

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