jean

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
  2. noun a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

Etymology

From the Middle English Gene (“Genoa”), from the Old French Jannes. Bleu de Gênes (“Genovese blue”) was a blue dye made in Genoa used to tint the denim cloth produced in Nîmes (de Nîmes). Doublet of Genoa and Geneva and distantly related to knee.

In classic literature

Synonyms

blue jean, denim

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