pantaloon

noun pan·ta·loon \ ˌpan-tə-ˈlün \

|Updated on: 18 May 2018

Definition of pantaloon

1 a or pantalone play \ˌpan-tə-ˈlō-nē\ capitalized : a character in the commedia dell'arte that is usually a skinny old dotard who wears spectacles, slippers, and a tight-fitting combination of trousers and stockings

b : a buffoon in pantomimes

2 pantaloons plural

a : wide breeches worn especially in England during the reign of Charles II

b : close-fitting trousers usually having straps passing under the instep and worn especially in the 19th century

3 : loose-fitting usually shorter than ankle-length trousers

See pantaloon defined for kids

Recent Examples of pantaloon from the Web

Squirrel corn and the slightly pointier Dutchman's breeches both look like white pantaloons flapping on a line.

— grant segall, cleveland.com, "Where to see spring wildflowers in Greater Cleveland, while they last (photos)," 11 May 2018
Animal parts were called different things, as were articles of clothing such as pantaloons—known now of course as trousers or pants.

— allison keyes, Smithsonian, "Frederick Douglas’ 200th Birthday Invites Remembrance and Reflection," 8 Feb. 2018
The democrats are 'shattin' in their pantaloons' right now…and rightfully so!

— john hendrickson, Esquire, "Kid Rock Makes Sense," 27 July 2017
Streep had on a white shirt over black-and-white striped pantaloons.

— d. t. max, The New Yorker, "Stephen Sondheim and Meryl Streep Side by Side at the PEN Gala," 15 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pantaloon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.