pantaloon

noun

pan·​ta·​loon ˌpan-tə-ˈlün 

1

a

or pantalone

ˌpan-tə-ˈlō-nē 

, Pantaloon : 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

Synonyms of pantaloon

• pants
• trousers

Examples of pantaloon in a Sentence

loose-fitting cotton pantaloons that are designed to be worn as loungewear

Recent Examples on the Web

Musical performers may wear pantaloons or flowing gowns while strumming ancient instruments. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

Since the early nineteenth century, suits have evolved from tailcoats and pantaloons to frock coats and top hats to modern suit jackets and neckties. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Victoriana enters the picture in the form of pantaloons worn under dresses. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026

Comments sections on the videos overflow with questions about how so many women seem to have pantaloons, vests and puffy shirts at the ready. — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Dresses, skirts, wide-leg silhouettes, pantaloons—all are great options for allowing what few breezes pass through the city to access, uh, restricted areas. — Sam Reed, Glamour, 24 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French Pantalon, from Old Italian Pantaleone, Pantalone

First Known Use

circa 1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pantaloon

• afternoon
• forenoon
• honeymoon
• importune
• laocoon
• opportune
• picayune
• tablespoon
• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon

Kids Definition

pantaloon

noun

pan·​ta·​loon ˌpant-ᵊl-ˈün 

1

plural : close-fitting trousers usually with straps passing under the insteps

2

: loose-fitting usually shorter than ankle-length trousers see Word History at pants