zoot suit

noun

ˈzüt- 

: a suit of extreme cut typically consisting of a thigh-length jacket with wide padded shoulders and peg pants with narrow cuffs

zoot-suiter

ˈzüt-ˌsü-tər 

noun

Examples of zoot suit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1945, one of her two brothers was beaten for wearing a zoot suit, an ensemble then popular with Black and Mexican-American men who were often unfairly labeled as delinquents. — Jasmine Aguilera, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Live music, dancing and storytelling were woven into the program celebrating Chicano Heritage Month, teaching fairgoers the history and cultural significance of the zoot suit, which has become a symbol of Chicano identity and resilience. — Claire Wang, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026

The start of the Zoot Suit Riots followed people wearing zoot suits beating a sailor and involved dozens of armed sailors targeting people in downtown and East LA. — USA Today, 19 May 2026

Police allowed—or joined in—mob violence against Mexican, Filipino, and Black youth wearing zoot suits. — Robert Willis, Washington Post, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of suit entry 1

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zoot suit

• acute
• aleut
• astute
• beetroot
• breadfruit
• cheroot
• commute
• compute
• confute
• dilute
• dispute
• elute