Denim Meaning: Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：sturdy cotton fabric (Denim)

Denim 🔊

/ˈdɛnɪm/

A strong, usually blue, cotton fabric used especially for making jeans and jackets.

Denim fabric display showing sturdy blue jeans and thick cotton texture

sturdy cotton fabric 🔊

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/ˈstɜːrdi ˈkɒtən ˈfæbrɪk/

A strong, twilled cotton fabric, typically blue, used for clothing like jeans and jackets due to its durability and texture.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'serge de Nîmes' (serge from Nîmes), later shortened to denim.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'denim' = 'Durable Nîmes' - imagine a factory in Nîmes weaving tough blue fabric for miners.

📖 Example

I love this store because they have denim jeans in so many different colors and fits. 🔊 I love this store because they have denim jeans in so many different colors and fits.

🔗 Collocations

denim jacket – A jacket made of denim fabric

blue denim – Denim fabric that is traditionally blue

denim fabric – The textile material itself, often used in sewing

🔄 Synonyms

jean (n.) – A cotton twill fabric similar to denim, often used interchangeably but technically lighter

twill (n.) – A weaving pattern producing diagonal ribs, characteristic of denim

cotton twill (n.) – A specific type of twill fabric made from cotton, of which denim is a variant

🌱 Derivatives

denimed (adj.) – Wearing or made of denim (rare)

denim-wear (n.) – Clothing made from denim

📖 Cultural Story

Denim originated in Nîmes, France, as a durable cotton twill fabric. It became iconic in the 19th century when Levi Strauss used it for workwear jeans, revolutionizing fashion.